In an all-out response to the controversial measures taken by the government in New Delhi, the National Security Committee (NSC) has warned that any move by India to divert the flow of water lawfully belonging to Pakistan will be “considered an act of war”.
The move comes in response to India’s unilateral decision to suspend the six-decade-old Indus Water Treaty and also takes other steps against Pakistan in the aftermath of an attack on tourists in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The NSC, convened on Thursday warned: “Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty, and the usurpation of the rights of lower riparian will be considered as an act of war and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of national power.”
The statement also noted that India’s behaviour is reckless and irresponsible, which disregards international conventions, UN Security Council Resolutions and international obligations at will.
Key NSC decisions
- Pakistan rejects India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
- Water diversion will be treated as an act of war
- Wagah Border closed to all Indian land transit
- SAARC visa exemptions for Indians cancelled immediately
- Indian nationals must exit Pakistan within 48 hours
- Indian defence advisers declared persona non grata
- Indian High Commission staff limited to 30 persons
- Pakistan closes its airspace to Indian airlines immediately
- All trade with India is suspended without exception
- NSC says Indian aggression validates the Two-Nation Theory
Pakistan, the statement said, vehemently rejects the Indian announcement to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance.
“The Treaty is a binding international agreement brokered by the World Bank and contains no provision for unilateral suspension.”
Water is a vital national interest of Pakistan; it is mentioned, a lifeline for its 240 million people and its availability will be safeguarded at all costs.
The NSC warned that Pakistan could also exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India, including but not limited to the Simla Agreement in abeyance, till India desists from its manifested behaviour of fomenting terrorism inside Pakistan, trans-national killings, and non-adherence to international law and UN Resolutions on Kashmir.
Pakistan shall also close down the Wagah Border Post, with immediate effect. All cross-border transit from India through this route shall be suspended, without exception.
Those who have crossed with valid endorsements may return through that route immediately but not later than April 30, 2025, the statement mentioned.
Pakistan has, moreover, suspended all visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) issued to Indian nationals and deemed them cancelled with immediate effect, except Sikh religious pilgrims.
Indian nationals currently in Pakistan under SVES are instructed to exit within 48 hours, the statement mentioned.
Pakistan also declares the Indian defence, naval and air advisors in Islamabad persona non grata. They are directed to leave Pakistan immediately, but not later than April 30, 2025, the NSC declared.
“These posts in the Indian High Commission are deemed annulled. [The] support staff of these advisors are also directed to return to India,” the NSC statement said.
The strength of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad will also be reduced to 30 diplomats and staff members, with effect from April 30.
Pakistan’s airspace will be closed with immediate effect for all Indian owned or Indian-operated airlines. All trade with India, including to and from any third country through Pakistan, is suspended forthwith.”
The NSC, moreover, underscored that Pakistan and its armed forces remain fully capable and prepared to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity against any misadventure, as demonstrated by their measured yet resolute response to India’s reckless incursion in February 2019.
The attack on Tuesday claimed the lives of 26 people — including one Nepali national — and India’s government blames Pakistan for the attack, a claim that Islamabad vehemently denied and also termed as a “false flag operation”.
