New Delhi: Pakistan on Thursday suspended 1972 Simla Agreement and shut its airspace to all Indian-owned or operated aircraft.
This came a day after India, in a bold move, announced immediate suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a key water-sharing agreement between the two nations, and cancellation of visas for Pakistan nationals, in retaliation to the terror attack in Pahalgam that left at least 26 dead, mostly tourists.
According to a report by Pakistani media Dawn, Islamabad, in a tit-for-tat move, also announced closure of the Wagah border for all cross-border transit from India and suspension of SAARC visa exemptions for Indian citizens, except for Sikh religious pilgrims, and expulsion of Indian military diplomats, who have been declared persona non grata.
Also Read: India Suspends Indus Water Treaty, Shuts Door To Pakistanis Over Pahalgam Terror Attack
The Indian Defence, Naval, and Air advisors have been asked to leave by April 30. It has also reduced Indian High Commission staff to 30, in response to what it described as “the reckless and irresponsible behaviour of India”. It has also suspended all trade with India, including third-country routed trade.
These decisions were taken during a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), Pakistan’s top security body. Most of these measures mirror India’s action announced on Wednesday while blaming cross-border elements for Tuesday’s attack.
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Pakistan has also denounced India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and pledged a ‘full-spectrum national power response’ to any threat against its sovereignty. “Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty… will be considered as an Act of War and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of National Power,” said a Pakistan government statement.
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