Following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India has initiated b diplomatic countermeasures. Late Wednesday night, Pakistan's top diplomat, Sad Ahmed Warraich, was summoned to Delhi and informed of India's b objection.
New Delhi: Following the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, which resulted in the deaths of 26 innocent tourists and several injuries, the Indian government has taken b diplomatic, economic, and administrative actions against Pakistan. While responsibility for the attack has been claimed by a terrorist organization, the Indian government considers it a direct act of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and has taken b action.
An emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) was convened on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lasting approximately two hours. The meeting included top ministers from the country's defense and foreign policy establishments, and several crucial decisions were made that will directly impact India-Pakistan relations.
1. Strong Warning to Pakistan with ‘Persona Non Grata’ Notice
India has declared Pakistan's defense, naval, and air advisors as ‘persona non grata,’ ordering them to leave India within one week. This notice was delivered to Pakistan's top diplomat, Sad Ahmed Warraich, in Delhi at midnight. ‘Persona non grata’ signifies that the individual is undesirable in the country and must leave immediately.
Furthermore, India has decided to recall its military advisors from its High Commission in Islamabad. This signifies a reduction of India-Pakistan diplomatic relations to a minimum.
2. Temporary Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: Water as a Weapon
India has temporarily suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with immediate effect. This treaty, considered one of the world's most exemplary water agreements, saw India providing a significant portion of the water from rivers such as the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab to Pakistan. India has made it clear that until Pakistan ceases its cross-border support for terrorism, it will receive no water.
Experts suggest this decision could severely impact Pakistan's irrigation and drinking water systems.
3. Attari Check Post Closed: No More Road Access
India has also announced the immediate closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post. This means that there will be no road travel between India and Pakistan. However, individuals with valid documents who have already entered India via this route are permitted to return using the same route until May 1, 2025.
4. SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme Cancelled, All Pakistani Citizens Ordered to Leave within 48 Hours
The Indian government has cancelled the travel concessions granted under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) to Pakistan. All Pakistani citizens in India on SVES visas have been ordered to leave the country within 48 hours. Pakistani citizens will no longer be permitted entry under this scheme.
5. High Commission Staff Reduced to 30
The maximum number of staff at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has been reduced to 30, from the current 55. This decision will come into effect from May 1, 2025. This clearly signals that India will maintain only essential formal communication with Pakistan.
India's Message is Clear: Support for Terrorism Will Not Be Tolerated
Addressing the press after the CCS meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that those responsible for the attack will be punished and their sponsors will be exposed internationally. India will not only react but will also act strategically. He also added that India has accelerated the process of identifying Pakistan as a state sponsoring terrorism at the United Nations and other international forums.
Uproar in Pakistan, Emergency Meeting of the Shahbaz Government
India's aggressive diplomacy and decisions have caused unrest within the Pakistani government. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee on Thursday, including the heads of the three branches of the military, the intelligence chief, and senior cabinet ministers. Sources suggest that Pakistan will attempt to exert international pressure regarding India's actions, but this effort is considered weak given India's concrete evidence and global public opinion.
The bodies of the 26 tourists killed in Pahalgam have been returned to their families. A mood of grief and anger prevails across the country. Hashtags like #JusticeForPahalgam and #IndiaStrikesBack are trending on social media. Anti-Pakistan protests are taking place across the country, with people demanding ber action from the government.
