Pakistan says any attempt by India to block water would be deemed ‘an act of war’

A day after India announced a slew of measures against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, Islamabad on Thursday said any attempt by New Delhi to block the flow of water to it would be deemed an act of war.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee after India’s response to the terror attack.

In its statement, Pakistan termed India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) unilateral. The IWT is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, facilitated by the World Bank.

“If the flow of water owned by Pakistan is blocked or diverted, it will be deemed a declaration of war," Pakistan said.

It also restricted the Indian High Commission’s staff in Islamabad to a maximum of 30 personnel, effective from April 30.

Besides, Pakistan has closed its airspace to all Indian airlines’ flights with immediate effect.

Islamabad also decided to suspend all trade with India, including that routed through third countries. It has also announced the immediate closure of the Wagah border crossing.

India