NSC responds

Listen to article

In a calculated rejoinder to India on its aggressive posturing in the wake of Pahalgam killings, Pakistan has hinted at exercising the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India, including but not limited to Simla Agreement, in abeyance till India desists from its manifested scheme of fomenting terrorism inside Pakistan. This is an exceptional stance meant to beware New Delhi of its modus operandi of transgression.

The National Security Committee (NSC) that met yesterday deplored the implicit threat contained in the Indian statement of 23 April 2025, and warned that any threat to Pakistan's sovereignty will be met with firm reciprocal measures in all domains. Pakistan also rejected the Indian announcement to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, making it loud and clear that usurpation of the rights of lower riparian would be considered an Act of War.

The NSC took a holistic view of the prevailing situation and, apart from expressing concern over the loss of lives in the Pahalgam incident, termed Indian measures, such as downgrading diplomatic ties, as unilateral, unjust, politically-motivated and devoid of legal merit. It also reminded India that it has long been fomenting terror inside Pakistan and that its victimhood posturing will not help.

The NSC went on to reiterate the undisputed status of IIOJK, and tactfully highlighted the excesses India has been committing against its own minorities. It also pointed out that political and demographic gerrymandering has persistently led to an organic backlash from Kashmiris, which perpetuates cycles of violence, and there is thus no point in blaming Pakistan.

In a tit-for-tat, Islamabad shut the Wagah Border post, suspended all transit from India without exception, cancelled visas with the exception of Sikh pilgrims, and declared Indian defence, naval and air advisors in Islamabad as persona non grata, apart from closing airspace for Indian airlines and halting trade with India. The NSC is spot on saying that in the absence of any credible investigation and verifiable evidence, attempts to link the Pahalgam attack with Pakistan are frivolous, devoid of rationality and defeat logic.