In a rapidly escalating diplomatic standoff following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has announced a sweeping set of retaliatory measures against India. These steps were unveiled just a day after India launched a major diplomatic offensive, directly blaming Islamabad for sponsoring terrorism and suspending several key bilateral arrangements.
The core of Pakistan’s countermeasures includes:
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Immediate closure of the Wagah border: All transit from India is suspended, and Indian nationals currently in Pakistan through this route must exit by April 30.
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Suspension of all SAARC visas for Indian nationals under the Visa Exemption Scheme, except for Sikh religious pilgrims. Indians under this visa category have 48 hours to leave.
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Closure of Pakistani airspace to all Indian-owned or operated airlines, which will impact commercial and diplomatic air routes.
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Suspension of all bilateral agreements with India — including the historic Simla Agreement — pending India’s “adherence to international law and UN resolutions on Kashmir.”
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Complete suspension of trade with India, including third-party routed trade.
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Expulsion of Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors from Islamabad, declaring them persona non grata with an April 30 deadline to leave.
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Reduction of India's diplomatic staff in Islamabad to 30 members by the end.
These moves were announced following a National Security Committee meeting chaired by Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, where India’s post-attack measures were termed as “unilateral, unjust, and politically motivated.”
The response came after India unveiled a five-pronged diplomatic retaliation, including:
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Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 agreement brokered by the World Bank.
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Downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan.
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Launching an international campaign to isolate Islamabad diplomatically.
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Enhancing cross-border security protocols.
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Preparing dossiers for presentation to the UN and international partners.
Pakistan has vehemently rejected India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a "binding international obligation". It has also denounced the accusations of state-sponsored terrorism, calling them “frivolous” and lacking credibility.
This dramatic breakdown in bilateral ties comes as tensions rise in the Valley following one of the most fatal civilian terror attacks in recent history, with mounting calls within India for a decisive response. The diplomatic fallout may have regional and international implications, particularly regarding aviation, trade, and cross-border cooperation in South Asia.
All eyes are now on whether the international community — particularly the United Nations and key global powers — will intervene to de-escalate the situation before it deepens into a broader crisis.
