Post-Pahalgam Attack Tensions: Pakistan Halts Simla Pact, Shuts Airspace and Trade

New Delhi: Following India’s announcement of a series of diplomatic and security measures in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, the neighbouring country has issued a strong counterresponse.

Pakistan has unveiled a set of aggressive countermeasures, with decisions made during a high-level National Security Committee (NSC) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on 24 April, underscoring Islamabad’s rejection of what it describes as India’s “reckless and irresponsible” actions, which was taken as a response to Jammu & Kashmir tragedy.

The NSC statement declared that Pakistan will now suspend the 1972 Simla Agreement, close the Wagah border, and impose airspace restrictions on India.

Pakistan’s Retaliatory Measures

Pakistan’s most pointed reaction came in the form of a vehement rejection of India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), an agreement that has governed the shared use of the Indus river system since 1960.

Declaring the treaty a matter of “vital national interest,” the NSC statement warned that any attempt by India to halt or divert water flows would be seen as an “Act of War” and would invite a full-spectrum response.

“Water is the lifeline for 240 million Pakistanis. Any usurpation of lower riparian rights will be met with full force across the complete spectrum of national power,” the statement read.

Additionally, Pakistan announced the suspension of all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement, which has served as the diplomatic backbone for maintaining the Line of Control (LoC) and conflict resolution since the end of the 1971 war.

Other key measures announced by Pakistan include:

• Closure of the Wagah Border Post with immediate effect. Cross-border transit from India through this land route has been halted, with exceptions only for valid returnees until April 30.
• Closure of Pakistan’s airspace to all Indian-owned or Indian-operated airlines, effective immediately.
• Immediate suspension of all trade with India, including indirect trade through third countries.
• Suspension of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas for Indian nationals, barring Sikh religious pilgrims. All existing Indian SVES holders must leave within 48 hours.
• Expulsion of Indian Defence, Naval and Air Advisors from Islamabad, declared persona non grata. Their support staff must also depart by April 30.
• Reduction of Indian diplomatic staff in Islamabad to 30, effective 30 April.

India’s National Security Actions

These Pakistani actions came after assertive decisions made during a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23 April. The committee decided:

• Suspended the Indus Waters Treaty until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably ends cross-border terrorism.
• Closed check post at Attari, allowing only the return of valid Pakistani entrants by 1 May.
• Cancelled all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme visas for Pakistani nationals, ordering them to exit within 48 hours.
• Expelled Pakistani military advisors in New Delhi and announced reciprocal withdrawal of Indian defence officials from Islamabad.
• Reduced diplomatic strength at both High Commissions to 30 personnel.

These actions come in the wake of the terror attack on 22 April at Pahalgam, situated in the northeast of Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir.

Bilateral Tensions

Many have been highlighting that the collapse of bilateral treaties could destabilise the region’s already fragile peace.

However, speaking to APAC Media, Rohit Jain, Managing Partner at Singhania & Co., said Pakistan’s move to suspend the Simla Agreement carries far-reaching diplomatic and security consequences.

“The suspension of the Simla Agreement now places this understanding at risk. If Islamabad no longer adheres to the treaty, it could lead to heightened military activity along the Line of Control (LoC), including increased ceasefire violations and potential incursions, disrupting the relative stability upheld since the 2003 ceasefire arrangement.”

“The Simla Agreement emphasised the obligation of both countries to resolve their differences through peaceful means, particularly bilateral negotiations or mutually agreed peaceful mechanisms, explicitly excluding third-party involvement. Its erosion could weaken the long-standing bilateral framework and open the door to external actors in regional matters,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Indian government’s move, taken after high-level deliberation involving the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), underscores what Jain described as a “significant shift in its strategic and diplomatic posture, particularly in the context of national security.”

“By suspending it now, India is sending a strong diplomatic message that acts of cross-border terrorism will no longer be tolerated without significant repercussions,” he added.

India’s formal notices in 2023 and 2024 to review and modify the treaty further highlight its evolving stance. “The decision gains momentum, emphasising the need to address demographic changes, clean energy goals, environmental concerns, and the impact of cross-border terrorism,” Jain said. “Therefore, the said decision was nothing but a clear retaliation from the cross-border terrorism grappled by the Indian Government.”

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India Suspends Indus Treaty, Declares Pakistani Defence Staff Non-Grata After Pahalgam Terror Attack