Pakistan Responds to Indian Provocations with Firm Measures, Shuts Border and Airspace

Pakistan Responds to Indian Provocations with Firm Measures, Shuts Border and Airspace

In a strong response to recent Indian provocations, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Thursday that Pakistan will not tolerate any violation of its sovereignty, asserting that any hostile action will face a strong and reciprocal response.

Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Dar unveiled key decisions taken during the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting.

Major Countermeasures Announced

Pakistan has implemented the following actions in response to India’s recent diplomatic and strategic steps:

• Immediate closure of the Wagah border crossing
• Suspension of all bilateral trade and transit routes with India, including indirect routes through third countries
• Cancellation of all Indian SAARC visa exemptions, with the exception of Sikh pilgrims who are temporarily allowed to stay
• Expulsion of Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Attachés, now declared persona non grata and instructed to leave by April 30
• Only 30 staff members will be present at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad
• – Pakistan’s airspace will be completely closed to India

  Dar strongly rejected India’s declaration to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, terming it an illegal and provocative move.

“Any attempt to block Pakistan’s legal water share will be treated as a hostile act,” he warned, adding that Pakistan would respond with full force.

He emphasized that the treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, is binding and does not permit unilateral withdrawal by either side.

Pakistan Denounces Indian Allegations over Pahalgam Attack

The deputy prime minister also dismissed Indian allegations linking Pakistan to the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.

“India has a pattern of using such incidents to deflect from internal failures,” Dar said. “We issued a formal statement condemning the attack even before India responded publicly.”

He further alleged that foreign individuals involved in the incident were aided by Indian intelligence agencies, based on credible information.

Simla Agreement Under Review

Dar warned that Pakistan may reconsider its commitment to other bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement, if India continues to take unilateral steps that undermine regional stability.

Diplomatic Outreach and UNSC Role

Highlighting Pakistan’s growing international standing, Dar announced that the country has:

• Secured a seat on the UN Security Council for 2025–2026 with a commanding 182 votes
• Will assume the rotating presidency of the UNSC in July 2025
• Briefed friendly nations and P5 countries on regional developments
• Proposed amendments to a draft UNSC resolution related to regional security and terrorism

“Pakistan remains a firm believer in diplomacy, multilateralism, and international law,” Dar concluded. “We will continue to inform the global community and the nation on all future developments.”