Pakistan has declared a series of diplomatic and economic countermeasures against India, escalating tensions following a deadly attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir that killed at least 25 people this week. The moves come after India accused Pakistan of involvement in the incident and imposed punitive measures, including the suspension of a vital water-sharing treaty.
Diplomatic Standoff Intensifies
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired an emergency National Security Committee meeting on Thursday, branding India\u2019s allegations of involvement in the shooting as \u201creckless and unfounded.\u201d The committee stated there was no verifiable evidence linking Pakistan to the attack, which targeted tourists in a region already strained by decades of territorial disputes.
New Restrictions Announced
In response to India\u2019s expulsion of Pakistani personnel and border closures, Pakistan will shutter the Wagah border crossing \u2013 a key transit point between the two nations \u2013 and ban Indian airlines from its airspace. Visa facilities for Indian nationals will be curtailed, and India\u2019s defense advisors in Islamabad have been declared persona non grata. Trade between the neighboring countries will also halt indefinitely.
Economic and Travel Restrictions Mount
India\u2019s Ministry of External Affairs suspended all visas for Pakistani nationals on Thursday, urging citizens to avoid travel to Pakistan. This follows New Delhi\u2019s earlier decision to halt the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, a critical agreement governing shared water resources. Analysts warn the growing tit-for-tat measures could destabilize regional security and economic ties.
The escalating crisis underscores the fragile relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors, with Kashmir remaining a persistent flashpoint. Both governments face mounting pressure to de-escalate as border communities and cross-strait businesses brace for prolonged disruptions.
