In the wake of a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed the lives of at least 27 Indian tourists, India has announced a series of stringent measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
Following these developments, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Thursday to chart the country’s official response.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri declared that all engagements under the IWT are being held in abeyance, citing Pakistan’s alleged continued support for cross-border terrorism. Additional measures include shutting down the Wagah-Attari border, expelling Pakistani nationals from India within 48 hours, and cancelling SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) privileges.
Pakistan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned India’s response, calling it “unserious and inappropriate,” and accused New Delhi of lacking evidence linking Islamabad to the attack. Power Minister Awais Leghari also denounced the suspension of the IWT as “water warfare” and vowed to defend Pakistan’s rights globally.
Tensions remain high as both nations brace for the fallout from one of the most significant escalations in recent years.
