In the wake of the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 26 fatalities, India has responded with strong diplomatic actions, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. Reacting for the first time since the incident, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday accused India of creating a war-like environment. He also stated that cutting off Pakistan’s water supply would be unfair.
Speaking to the media for the first time since the attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that India has created a war-like atmosphere, and that suspending the Indus Waters Treaty is not the right solution. He emphasized Pakistan’s preference for resolving issues through dialogue, calling the potential disruption of water flow unjust.
Sharif also clarified that no new canals would be built without an agreement from the Council of Common Interests (CCI). He mentioned that the upcoming CCI meeting on Friday, May 2, will formally approve the understanding reached between the PPP and PML-N. He made these remarks during a joint press conference in Islamabad with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari following a high-level meeting.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) to assess the situation in response to India’s firm actions following the Pahalgam attack. Attended by senior civilian and military officials, the meeting resulted in several key decisions, including the closure of Pakistani airspace to all Indian airlines and the shutting down of the Wagah border crossing. In a press release, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced that the Indian High Commission in Islamabad will be reduced to 30 diplomats and staff members, effective April 30, 2025. The statement also declared a complete suspension of trade with India, including goods routed through third countries via Pakistan.
Referencing the Simla Agreement, the PMO stated that Pakistan reserves the right to suspend all bilateral agreements with India, including—but not limited to—the Simla Accord. As part of its measures, Pakistan has also closed the Wagah Border Post to all cross-border transit from India. Those who have crossed into Pakistan with valid documentation must return by April 30, 2025, the statement added. Furthermore, Islamabad has cancelled all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas previously issued to Indian nationals, with immediate effect, according to the release.
