Pakistan has announced a series of countermeasures after India intensified actions in response to a deadly attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
On Thursday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting of the National Security Committee. The Prime Minister’s Office released a statement condemning India’s move as “highly irresponsible and legally unfounded.”
The committee expressed deep concern over the loss of lives in the incident, emphasizing that Pakistan unequivocally condemns all forms of terrorism. “In the absence of any credible investigation and verifiable evidence, India’s attempts to link the attack to Pakistan are reckless, irrational, and illogical,” the statement read.
In response to India’s actions, Pakistan announced it will close the Wagah Border Post, suspend certain visa facilities for Indian nationals, declare Indian Defense, Naval, and Air Advisors in Islamabad as persona non grata, close its airspace to all Indian airlines, and suspend all trade activities with India.
The escalation comes after Indian media reported that at least 25 people were killed and several others injured on Tuesday when unknown gunmen opened fire in Indian-controlled Kashmir. India has accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack.
On Wednesday, the Indian government announced measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the border, and expulsion of Pakistani personnel. India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated on Thursday that it would suspend all categories of visas for Pakistani nationals effective immediately and advised Indian citizens against traveling to Pakistan.
The heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries have raised international concerns. Both nations have a long history of conflict over the Kashmir region, and the latest developments underscore the fragile relationship between them.
