The diplomatic standoff between India and Pakistan has escalated significantly in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded sternly, vowing to take decisive actions against the perpetrators and their supporters. Among the bold steps taken, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, marking a serious deterioration in Indo-Pakistani relations.

In response to the growing tensions, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who remained silent in the immediate aftermath of the attack, finally addressed the media on Thursday, breaking his silence with a sharp criticism of India. Speaking from Islamabad, Sharif accused New Delhi of fostering a war-like atmosphere and called the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty "unjust" and "not the appropriate course of action."

Sharif emphasized that Pakistan remains open to dialogue and peaceful resolution, stating, “India has created an atmosphere of war. Suspending the Indus Water Treaty is not appropriate. We are in favour of resolving matters through dialogue. Halting the water flow would be unjust.”

During a joint press conference with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Sharif confirmed that no new water canals will be developed until consensus is reached in the Council of Common Interests (CCI). He added that the upcoming CCI meeting scheduled for May 2 will formally ratify the PPP-PML(N) agreement on the matter, indicating a united political front within Pakistan amidst the international diplomatic crisis.

Sharif’s statement came following an emergency meeting of Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC), which convened to assess the fallout of India’s aggressive stance post-Pahalgam. The NSC, chaired by the Prime Minister and attended by top civil and military officials, passed multiple retaliatory measures, including:

1. Blocking Pakistani airspace for all Indian commercial and cargo aircraft.

2. Closing the Wagah border crossing for all land transit and trade.

3. Suspending all trade with India, including shipments through third countries.

4. Reducing the Indian High Commission’s diplomatic strength in Islamabad to 30 officials by April 30, 2025.

5. Cancelling all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas issued to Indian nationals with immediate effect.

6. Placing all bilateral treaties, including the Simla Agreement, in abeyance.

The PMO of Pakistan officially confirmed these decisions via a press release, stating that “Pakistan shall exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India, including but not limited to the Simla Agreement, in abeyance.”

Regarding the closure of Wagah Border, the statement clarified that only individuals who had already crossed into Pakistan with valid endorsements may return through that route, but not later than April 30, 2025. No future transits will be allowed beyond that deadline.

The unprecedented nature of Pakistan’s retaliatory steps signifies a new low in the India-Pakistan diplomatic narrative, one not seen in recent decades even during past escalations. Observers have expressed concern that this tit-for-tat approach could destabilize the fragile balance in the region.

Sharif’s assertion that India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is "unjust" reflects Pakistan’s long-standing reliance on the water flowing from Indian-administered Kashmir. The Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, has withstood multiple conflicts between the two countries. However, India’s decision to put the treaty on hold signals New Delhi’s shift toward using strategic levers such as water and trade to exert pressure on Islamabad.

In India, PM Modi had earlier vowed that those responsible for the Pahalgam terrorist attack would "pay a heavy price." Reports indicate that India has mobilized additional security forces along the Line of Control (LoC) and is considering other economic and diplomatic responses.

International diplomatic circles are closely watching the developments, with UN agencies and major world powers urging both nations to exercise restraint. However, the rhetoric on both sides remains charged, with Sharif’s statements doing little to lower the temperature.

Security analysts warn that the decision to block Indian airspace could also impact international flight routes, including those passing over Pakistan between the Gulf and Southeast Asia. Airlines may be forced to take longer routes, leading to increased travel time and fuel costs.

The suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Indian nationals is another major blow to regional cooperation efforts. SAARC, already marred by tensions between India and Pakistan, may now be further sidelined in the broader South Asian diplomatic framework.

In conclusion, Pakistan’s response to the Pahalgam attack—led by PM Shehbaz Sharif—has added a new dimension to Indo-Pakistani tensions. With both nations hardening their stances, and vital treaties like the Indus Waters Treaty and the Simla Agreement hanging in the balance, the road ahead appears increasingly uncertain. What began as a terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir has now spiralled into a full-fledged diplomatic confrontation, raising fears of further escalation in the region. As the May 2 CCI meeting approaches, and as India considers its next move, the international community will be closely monitoring whether any window for de-escalation remains.

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