Any move by India to divert flow of water lawfully belonging to Pakistan will be “considered an act of war”: NSC
Islamabad: In an all-out response to the controversial measures taken by the government in New Delhi, the National Security Committee (NSC) has warned that any move by India to divert the flow of water lawfully belonging to Pakistan will be “considered an act of war”.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the move comes in response to India’s unilateral decision to suspend the six-decade-old Indus Water Treaty and also taking other steps against Pakistan in the aftermath of an attack on tourists in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The attack on Tuesday claimed the lives of 26 people, including one Nepali national, and India’s government blames Pakistan for the attack, a claim that Islamabad vehemently denied and also termed as a “false flag operation”.
The NSC convened on Thursday warned: “Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty, and the usurpation of the rights of lower riparian will be considered as an act of war and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of national power.”
The statement also noted that India’s behaviour is reckless and irresponsible behaviour of India, which disregards international conventions, UN Security Council resolutions and international obligations at will.
Pakistan, the statement said, vehemently rejects the Indian announcement to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance.
“The Treaty is a binding international agreement brokered by the World Bank and contains no provision for unilateral suspension.”
The NSC warned that Pakistan could also 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 UN Resolutions on Kashmir.
Pakistan shall also close down the Wagah Border Post, with immediate effect. All cross-border transit from India through this route shall be suspended, without exception.
Those who have crossed with valid endorsements may return through that route immediately but not later than April 30, 2025, the statement mentioned.
Pakistan has, moreover, suspended all visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) issued to Indian nationals and deemed them cancelled with immediate effect, with the exception of Sikh religious pilgrims.
Indian nationals currently in Pakistan under SVES are instructed to exit within 48 hours, the statement mentioned.
Pakistan also declares the Indian defence, naval and air advisors in Islamabad persona non grata. They are directed to leave Pakistan immediately but not later than April 30, 2025, the NSC declared.
“These posts in the Indian High Commission are deemed annulled. [The] support staff of these advisors are also directed to return to India,” the NSC statement said.
The strength of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad will also be reduced to 30 diplomats and staff members, with effect from April 30.
“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.”
The NSC, moreover, underscored that Pakistan and its armed forces remain fully capable and prepared to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any misadventure, as clearly demonstrated by its measured yet resolute response to India’s reckless incursion in February 2019.
In conclusion, India’s belligerent measures have vindicated the Two- Nation Theory as well as the apprehensions of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, as encapsulated in the 1940 Pakistan Resolution, which continues to echo the sentiments of the complete Pakistani nation.
“The Pakistani nation remains committed to peace, but will never allow anyone to transgress its sovereignty, security, dignity and inalienable rights,” the statement added.
Islamabad’s response comes after India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) laid out five measures which New Delhi has termed as “decisive response to cross-border terrorism”.
The Indus Water Treaty is a water-sharing agreement between Pakistan and India, facilitated by the World Bank. It gives India control over the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas and Sutlej) of the Indus basin while it gives Pakistan authority over the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum and Chenab).
The other measures include the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post Attari as well as the issuance of a deadline for Pakistanis to leave the country before May 1, 2025. KMS—14A
