Pakistan Halts Trade and Closes Borders with India, Warns of War Over Water Blockage

Islamabad – In a major development, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) has announced the immediate suspension of all trade with India, closure of the Wagah border, and airspace restrictions. The country’s top civil and military leadership jointly declared that any attempt by India to block water flow would be considered an “act of war.”

The emergency NSC meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was held in response to growing tensions following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of foreign tourists.

According to the official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the NSC discussed national security and regional peace in depth. The committee expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in Pahalgam and strongly condemned India’s unilateral actions taken on April 23, labeling them politically motivated, irresponsible, and legally unfounded.

Key Highlights from the NSC Statement:

• Kashmir Dispute: Pakistan reaffirmed its support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and emphasized that Kashmir remains a disputed region as per multiple UN resolutions.
• Indian Oppression: The committee condemned India’s increasing state-sponsored oppression, particularly targeting minorities—especially Muslims—and cited the forced passage of the Waqf Act as a fresh example.
• Water as a Red Line: The committee rejected India’s threat to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and warned that any attempt to disrupt water flow would be seen as a declaration of war, warranting a full-scale response.
• Suspension of Agreements: In light of India’s aggressive posture, Pakistan reserved the right to suspend all bilateral agreements, including the Shimla Accord, until India ceases cross-border killings and violations of international and UN mandates.
• Border and Visa Measures:
  • The Wagah border will be closed immediately, allowing only visa-holding individuals to return until April 30, 2025.
  • All visas issued to Indian citizens under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme are now revoked, with the exception of Sikh pilgrims.
  • All other Indian nationals have been ordered to leave Pakistan within 48 hours.
• Diplomatic Restrictions:
  • Defense, naval, and air advisers at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad have been declared persona non grata and instructed to leave Pakistan by April 30.
  • The number of Indian High Commission staff will be capped at 30.
• Airspace Closure and Trade Halt:
  • Pakistan’s airspace is now closed to all Indian-owned or Indian-operated airlines.
  • All trade with India—direct or via third countries—has been suspended with immediate effect.

A Strong Message

The NSC reiterated that Pakistan and its armed forces are fully capable of defending the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Any misadventure will be met with a firm and fitting response, as demonstrated in February 2019,” the committee emphasized.

The international community has also been urged to take note of India’s growing violations of international laws and human rights, particularly cross-border assassinations and its state-backed campaigns of oppression.