In a sharp escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, Pakistan has announced the closure of its airspace to all Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines and suspended all trade with India, including goods passing through Pakistan to or from third countries. This move comes as a direct response to India's recent decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and other diplomatic actions following a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Background of the Conflict
The latest diplomatic crisis was triggered by a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians, including foreign tourists, were killed. India accused Pakistan-based militants of involvement, leading New Delhi to take punitive measures against Pakistan. These included downgrading diplomatic ties, expelling Pakistani military officials, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, and closing the Attari-Wagah land border crossing.
Pakistan strongly rejected India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the sharing of the Indus River waters between the two countries. Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office described any attempt to stop or divert water flowing to Pakistan under the treaty as "an act of war" and vowed to respond with full force. The treaty is vital for Pakistan, as it provides water to about 240 million people.
Pakistan's Retaliatory Measures\
Following a National Security Committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan announced several significant countermeasures:
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Immediate closure of Pakistan’s airspace to all Indian airlines, disrupting flights between the two countries.
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Suspension of all trade with India, including indirect trade through third countries, effectively cutting economic ties.
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Closure of the Wagah border post, the only major land crossing between India and Pakistan, suspending all cross-border transit.
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Cancellation of all visas issued to Indian nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, with exceptions for Sikh pilgrims; Indians currently in Pakistan under this scheme were instructed to leave within 48 hours.
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Declaration of Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in Islamabad as persona non grata, ordering them to leave Pakistan by April 30, 2025.
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Reduction of the Indian High Commission staff in Islamabad to 30 members by the end of April 2025.
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Suspension of all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Agreement, until India ceases what Pakistan calls fomenting terrorism inside Pakistan and adheres to international laws and UN resolutions on Kashmir.
Understanding the Indus Waters Treaty Dispute
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, has been a longstanding agreement between India and Pakistan on sharing water from the Indus River system. It is often cited as one of the most successful water-sharing treaties globally, surviving multiple wars and conflicts between the two nations.
India’s decision to suspend the treaty is unprecedented and signals a serious diplomatic rupture. Pakistan views this as a direct threat to its water security and national sovereignty. Officials have warned that any attempt to divert water meant for Pakistan will be met with strong retaliation, considering it an act of war.
Broader Implications
The closure of airspace and suspension of trade are significant steps that affect not only bilateral relations but also regional connectivity and economic activities. Air travel disruptions impact passengers and cargo movement, while trade suspension affects businesses and supply chains on both sides.
The diplomatic freeze and the holding of bilateral agreements in abeyance indicate a deepening mistrust and a hardening of positions. Both countries have a history of conflict and cooperation, but recent events have pushed relations to a new low.
This escalation reflects the fragile nature of India-Pakistan relations, where security concerns, historical grievances, and political actions often lead to rapid deterioration. While India cites security threats and terrorism as reasons for its actions, Pakistan sees these as unfounded accusations and provocations.
The Indus Waters Treaty has long been a symbol of cooperation amid conflict, and its suspension signals a worrying trend toward further discord. The international community often views such developments with concern, given the potential for wider instability in South Asia.
Conclusion
The recent moves by Pakistan to close its airspace to Indian airlines, halt all trade, and call the diversion of Indus waters an "act of war" mark a significant escalation in the long-standing tensions between the two neighbors. Both countries face the challenge of managing their disputes without sliding into open conflict, especially given their nuclear capabilities and shared history.
As the situation unfolds, diplomatic efforts and dialogue will be crucial to prevent further deterioration and to find peaceful solutions to complex issues like water sharing, security, and cross-border terrorism.
With inputs from agencies
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