Pakistan Cuts Trade, Suspends Ties and Closes Airspace in Retaliation to India’s Moves

Pakistan made its retaliatory decisions during a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) held in Islamabad today. The session, aimed at formulating a response to India, was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It was attended by senior government and military leaders, including the defence minister, foreign minister, interior minister, national security adviser, and the chiefs of the armed forces, among others.

The National Security Committee (NSC) of Pakistan has issued a strong statement condemning recent actions and remarks by India, particularly in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. The Committee reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing position on the Kashmir dispute, calling it unresolved and backed by multiple United Nations resolutions. It emphasized support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and blamed India’s policies in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) for continued unrest and cycles of violence.

The statement criticized India’s alleged demographic and political changes in Kashmir, accusing it of systematic minority persecution, especially against Muslims. The recent push for the Waqf Bill was highlighted as an attempt to marginalize Muslims across India. The Committee urged India to avoid exploiting tragic events for political gain and to ensure the safety of its own citizens.

On the issue of terrorism, Pakistan condemned all forms of terrorism and highlighted its own sacrifices in the global fight against it. The NSC rejected any link between Pakistan and the Pahalgam attack, calling such allegations baseless and lacking evidence. It also accused India of backing terrorism within Pakistan, referencing the case of Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav as proof.

The Committee also raised alarm over what it called Indian “extraterritorial assassinations,” claiming these acts violate international law and must be condemned. It warned that any threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty will be met with a firm and comprehensive response.

Reacting strongly to India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan declared the treaty legally binding and warned that any attempt to block water flows would be treated as an act of war. Water, the Committee said, is a vital national interest for Pakistan’s 240 million people.

As a result of India’s actions, Pakistan announced a series of immediate diplomatic and logistical measures:

• The Wagah border crossing is now closed for all Indian cross-border transit, except for valid returnees, who must exit by April 30.

• All SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas for Indian nationals are cancelled, except for Sikh religious pilgrims. Indians in Pakistan under this scheme must leave within 48 hours.

• Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in Islamabad have been declared persona non grata and must leave by April 30. Their positions at the High Commission are terminated, and their support staff must also return.

• The Indian High Commission in Islamabad will be downsized to 30 diplomats and staff by April 30.

• Pakistan’s airspace is now closed to all Indian-owned or operated airlines.

• All trade with India, including transit via third countries through Pakistan, is suspended.

The NSC concluded by reaffirming the readiness of Pakistan’s armed forces to defend the nation, citing the country’s response to India’s 2019 airstrike as an example of its capability and restraint.

In closing, the Committee said India’s actions validate the Two-Nation Theory and the concerns raised by Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Pakistan remains committed to peace, the statement added, but will firmly defend its sovereignty, dignity, and the rights of its people.