Pakistan responded sharply after India took firm action following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 people. On April 24, Pakistan announced several countermeasures.

Pakistan Rejects India’s Treaty Move

First, Pakistan rejected India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. It warned that any water diversion would be seen as an act of war. Pakistan’s energy minister Awais Leghari posted, “India’s reckless suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is an act of water warfare... Every drop is ours by right, and we will defend it with full force.”

Bilateral Ties Severed

Moreover, Pakistan suspended the Simla Agreement. It also canceled all bilateral agreements with India. This marked a significant breakdown in diplomatic ties.

Border Crossing Closed

Consequently, Pakistan shut down the Wagah Border Post. India had already ordered the Attari-Wagah crossing to be closed on April 23.

Visa Restrictions Mirror India

In addition, Pakistan suspended all SAARC visas for Indian citizens, except for Sikh pilgrims. This decision directly mirrored India’s earlier action against Pakistani nationals.

Diplomatic Staff Reduced

Furthermore, Pakistan declared Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors persona non grata. It gave them until April 30 to leave. At the same time, Islamabad reduced Indian High Commission staff to 30. India had taken similar steps the day before.

Airspace Closed

Pakistan also closed its airspace to all Indian-owned or operated aircraft, effective immediately.

Trade Completely Halted

In another major move, Pakistan suspended all trade with India, including trade routed through third countries.

Strong Warning Issued

Later, after a National Security Committee (NSC) meeting, Pakistan pledged a “full-spectrum national power response” to any threat against its sovereignty.

India Acted First

Earlier, India had taken decisive steps against Pakistan. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, “The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance... until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.”

India Also Took These Measures:

• It closed the Attari-Wagah check post.

• It expelled Pakistani military advisors.

• It revoked all SAARC visas issued to Pakistani citizens.

Impact on Pakistan’s Agriculture

Finally, many experts believe India’s move to suspend the water treaty will hit Pakistan’s agriculture hard. The treaty provides Pakistan with access to crucial river water for farming.