'Will be considered as an Act of War and responded with full force': 5 decisions to counter India as Pak PM chairs NSC meet

Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC), the top security body of the country, met on Thursday after India took a set of measures against the backdrop of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Pak Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired the meeting which evaluated measures taken by New Delhi as unjust and politically motivated.

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After India decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and suspended visa services to Pakistani citizens, the NSC decided to take a set of retaliatory measures. Any threat to Pakistan's sovereignty and security will be met with firm reciprocal measures in all domains, a statement released after the NSC meet said. Any attempt to divert the waters that supports lives in Pakistan will be considered as an Act of War and responded with full force, a statement said.

 

Islamabad went to the extent of suspending all trade with India and asked military advisers at Indian High Commission to leave by April 30 after the NSC reportedly blamed India's failure to provide ample security to its citizens as the cause for the Pahalgam incident.

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As the tit-for-tat measures between India and Pakistan have heightened tensions after a brief break, here are five points from the National Security Committee statement that highlights Pakistan's position on the issue:

 

 

• Water is a Vital National Interest of Pakistan, a lifeline for its 240 million people and its availability will be safeguarded at all costs. 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.

 

• Pakistan’s airspace will be closed with immediate effect for all Indian-owned or Indian-operated airlines.

 

• Pakistan suspends all visas under SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) issued to Indian nationals and deems 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, less Sikh pilgrims.

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• Indian Defence, Naval and Air Advisors in Islamabad are directed to leave Pakistan immediately but not later than 30 April 2025. These posts in the Indian High Commission are deemed annulled. Support staff of these Advisors are also directed to return to India. The strength of Indian High Commission in Islamabad will be reduced to 30 diplomats and staff members, with effect from 30 April 2025.

 

• All trade with India including to and from any third country through Pakistan is suspended forthwith.

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