MT Desk: The National Security Committee (NSC) on Thursday warned that any attempt by India to block water flow into Pakistan would be treated as an act of war.The statement followed a high-level NSC meeting, which also approved the closure of the Wagah border crossing. The measures were announced in response to a series of steps taken by India following a deadly attack in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Key decisions announced by NSC:
- India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty rejected.
- Any diversion of Pakistan’s water to be treated as an act of war.
- Wagah Border closed to all Indian land transit with immediate effect.
- Airspace to all Indian-owned or operated flights closed.
- 1972 Simla Agreement could be suspended.
- SAARC visa exemption facility for Indian nationals cancelled.
- Indian nationals in Pakistan ordered to leave within 48 hours.
- Indian defence advisers declared persona non grata.
- Indian High Commission staff in Islamabad limited to 30 persons.
- All forms of trade with India suspended, including via third countries.
A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office expressed concern over the loss of lives and termed India’s subsequent measures “unilateral, unjust, politically motivated, extremely irresponsible, and devoid of legal merit.” The statement said that India’s response violates international norms, United Nations Security Council resolutions, and bilateral agreements.The committee also rejected India’s announcement to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling it a binding international accord with no clause allowing unilateral suspension.
"Water is a vital national interest of Pakistan, a lifeline for its 240 million people, and its availability will be safeguarded at all costs," the statement read. "Any attempt to stop or divert Pakistan’s water will be responded to with full force across the complete spectrum of national power."
The NSC also announced that all cross-border movement through Wagah will be halted, and those who entered with valid documents must return by April 30. The forum also closed Pakistan’s airspace to all Indian-owned or operated flights, effective immediately.
The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was attended by senior officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and top military commanders attended the session.
A day earlier, India announced the suspension of visa services for Pakistani nationals and ordered all Pakistani citizens currently in India to leave before the expiry of their visas. Pakistani diplomats in New Delhi will remain exempt, though their numbers have reportedly been reduced.
