Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led a crucial meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) to discuss the evolving regional security dynamics following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Anantnag District of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The committee expressed sorrow over the loss of tourist lives but criticized India’s response as one-sided, politically driven, reckless, and lacking legal justification.
Key takeaways from the meeting included:
- The Kashmir issue remains unresolved and recognized as such by numerous UN resolutions. Pakistan supports the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. Indian policies, including the removal of statehood and demographic changes in IIOJK, have provoked unrest.
- The NSC highlighted growing persecution of minorities in India, especially Muslims, citing the Waqf Bill as an example of targeted marginalization.
- India was urged not to exploit tragic incidents like Pahalgam for political gain or shift blame. Pakistan firmly rejects linking the incident to it without evidence and sees such claims as baseless.
- Pakistan condemned terrorism in all forms and reminded the world of its sacrifices in fighting terrorism. It accused India of attempting to destabilize the region and distract from its failures.
- The committee referenced the case of Indian officer Kulbhushan Jadhav as proof of Indian involvement in terrorism within Pakistan.
In response to recent Indian statements:
- Pakistan rejected India’s move to unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it an international agreement brokered by the World Bank. Any attempts to divert Pakistan’s share of water will be considered an act of war.
- Pakistan will review all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Agreement, until India ceases its current aggressive behavior.
- The Wagah border crossing will be shut down immediately. Indians with valid documents must return by April 30.
- All SAARC visas issued to Indian citizens are now invalid, except for Sikh pilgrims. Current Indian visitors under this scheme must leave within 48 hours.
- Indian military advisors in Islamabad are declared persona non grata and must leave by April 30. Their positions are dissolved.
- The Indian High Commission in Islamabad will be downsized to 30 staff members by the end of April.
- Pakistan’s airspace is now closed to all Indian-owned or operated airlines.
- All trade with India, including through third countries, is suspended effective immediately.
The committee affirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to protect the nation’s sovereignty, recalling the country’s firm response to the 2019 Indian airspace violation.
Concluding the statement, the NSC declared that India’s recent actions reaffirm the foundation of the Two-Nation Theory and reflect the foresight of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as expressed in the Pakistan Resolution of 1940.
While Pakistan remains committed to peace, it stands resolute in defending its sovereignty, security, and national dignity.
