Pakistan Conducts Urgent Security Meeting, Labels IWT Suspension as 'Act of War'

Synopsis

Pakistan's National Security Committee, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, convened an urgent meeting to address India's actions post the Pahalgam terror attack, declaring India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty an 'act of war' and taking decisive measures against India.

Key Takeaways

Pakistan's NSC condemned the Pahalgam terror attack.
Closure of airspace to India was decided.
India's suspension of IWT termed an 'act of war'.
Indian military advisors to be expelled by April 30.
Pakistan to raise the IWT issue in international forums.
Wagah-Attari border to be closed in retaliation.
Preparedness of Pakistan Armed Forces affirmed.
Indian accusations labeled as baseless.

Islamabad, April 24 (NationPress) The urgent meeting of Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC), led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, concluded late Thursday with significant resolutions in light of India's recent actions following the Pahalgam terror incident.

In denouncing the Pahalgam tragedy and the loss of innocent lives, the committee firmly dismissed New Delhi's claims regarding Pakistan's involvement in cross-border terrorism.

The gathering, featuring the nation’s top civil and military leaders, endorsed recommendations from Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and resolved to immediately close its airspace to India.

Islamabad further articulated that India's choice to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) would be interpreted as an 'act of war', asserting that Pakistan would employ its national strength to confront any unilateral actions taken by India on this issue.

The NSC rejected Indian allegations, labeling them as 'baseless and fabricated'. The committee also resolved to expel Indian defense, navy, and air force advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, granting them and their support staff a deadline of April 30 to exit Pakistan.

The number of diplomatic personnel at the Indian High Commission will be restricted to 30 officers, a similar quota will apply to the Pakistan High Commission in India.

The NSC has determined that the Pakistan government will engage the World Bank and other international forums to address India's unilateral decision regarding the IWT, emphasizing that India lacks the authority to unilaterally alter the treaty, as global entities, including the World Bank, are also involved in the matter.

Additionally, the NSC has decided to close the Wagah-Attari border with India as a reciprocal measure against India's border closure.

The NSC expressed confidence in the readiness of the Pakistan Armed Forces and pledged to deliver a 'proportionate response' should India pursue any reckless actions.

Pakistan’s NSC characterized India’s decision as inconsistent and a 'consistent habit' of accusing Islamabad without any substantiating evidence, aimed at promoting what it termed the Indian government's anti-Pakistan agenda.