In a strong and unprecedented response to New Delhi’s suspension of the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan’s top civil-military leadership has declared that any Indian attempt to divert water lawfully belonging to Pakistan will be considered “an act of war .”
The National Security Committee (NSC), chaired by the Prime Minister and comprising top military and civilian officials, issued the warning on Thursday following India’s controversial decisions in the wake of a deadly attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which left 26 dead. India blamed Pakistan for the attack, a claim Islamabad has strongly rejected, terming it a “false flag operation.”
The NSC said that Pakistan views India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty — a World Bank-brokered international agreement — as illegal and in direct violation of international law. The committee stated unequivocally:
“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 the lower riparian, will be considered as an act of war and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of national power.”
The committee labeled India’s recent actions as “reckless and irresponsible,” accusing New Delhi of flouting international norms, UN Security Council resolutions, and binding obligations.
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Major Measures Announced by Pakistan’s NSC
In response to what it called “Indian aggression,” the NSC unveiled a series of sweeping retaliatory measures:
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Indus Waters Treaty Suspension Rejected: Pakistan denounces India’s move, calling the treaty a binding international agreement with no provision for unilateral suspension.
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Wagah Border Closed: All Indian land transit through Wagah is suspended, effective immediately.
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SAARC Visa Exemption Cancelled: All visas issued to Indian nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme are revoked, with the exception of Sikh religious pilgrims.
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48-Hour Exit Deadline: Indian nationals in Pakistan under the SAARC scheme must leave within 48 hours.
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Diplomatic Staff Expelled: Indian defence, naval, and air attachés declared persona non grata and instructed to leave by April 30.
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High Commission Staff Reduced: Indian diplomatic presence in Islamabad limited to 30 personnel by April 30.
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Airspace Closure: Pakistan shuts its airspace to all Indian-owned or operated airlines.
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Complete Trade Suspension: All trade with India, including third-country transits, has been halted.
The statement underscored the strategic importance of water for Pakistan’s 240 million citizens, describing it as a “vital national interest” that will be protected at all costs.
India’s Belligerence and the Two-Nation Theory
The NSC reiterated that India’s recent actions have vindicated the foundational ideology behind Pakistan’s creation:
“India’s belligerent measures have vindicated the Two-Nation Theory and the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, as encapsulated in the 1940 Pakistan Resolution.”
Pakistan’s military, the statement added, is fully prepared to respond to any Indian misadventure, citing its measured but resolute response to the 2019 Balakot incident as a precedent.
Background on the Indus Waters Treaty
Signed in 1960 and facilitated by the World Bank, the Indus Waters Treaty allocates the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan. The treaty has been a cornerstone of water-sharing between the two countries despite decades of hostilities.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs earlier announced five “decisive responses” to the attack in IIOJK, including the suspension of the treaty and closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post, along with a May 1 deadline for all Pakistanis to leave India.
Act of War
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