Pakistan takes retaliatory action, suspends bilateral agreements with India
This story was originally published at 17:21 IST on 24 April 2025
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NEW DELHI – A day after India cut ties with Pakistan in the wake of the terror attack in Pahalgam, Pakistan on Thursday suspended bilateral agreements with India and closed its airspace to Indian airlines.
"Pakistan shall exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India including but not limited to Simla Agreement in abeyance, till India desists from its manifested behaviour of fomenting terrorism inside Pakistan; trans-national killings; and non-adherence to international law and United Nations Resolutions on Kashmir," Pakistan said in a statement.
The Pakistan government also suspended all trade with India. "Pakistan's airspace will be closed with immediate effect for all Indian owned or Indian operated airlines. All trade with India including to and from any third country through Pakistan is suspended forthwith," read a statement by the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office.
The decision was taken following a National Security Committee meeting chaired by Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Pakistan termed Indian action as "unilateral, unjust, politically motivated and extremely irresponsible".
Pakistan also announced closure of the Wagah Border Post, with immediate effect. All cross-border transit from India through this route would be suspended, without exception, the statement read.
In a tit-for-tat measure, Pakistan declared the Indian defence, naval and air advisors in Islamabad as persona non grata, and they have been directed to leave Pakistan immediately but not later than Apr. 30. Pakistan also suspended all visas issued to Indian nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, with the exception of Sikh religious pilgrims. Indian nationals have been instructed to leave Pakistan within 48 hours, the statement said. "The strength of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad will be reduced to 30 diplomats and staff members, with effect from April 30," the statement read.
On Wednesday, India had cut ties with Pakistan, citing cross-border linkages in the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed at least 26 lives and left many injured. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 with Pakistan, along with other measures against the neighbouring country. End
Reported by Kuldeep Singh
Edited by Avishek Dutta
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