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Pakistan Closes Wagah Border, Suspends Simla Accord, Expels Indian Diplomats

NSC warns water aggression would be treated as an act of war; Islamabad issues démarche to Indian envoy

Amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, Islamabad has taken a series of sweeping diplomatic and policy measures, including the closure of the Wagah border, suspension of the Simla Accord, and the expulsion of Indian diplomatic personnel. The moves come in the wake of India’s recent actions, including the revocation of Pakistani visas, a diplomatic staff cut, and accusations linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Pakistan Issues Formal Protest

On Thursday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office summoned Indian Charge d’Affaires Geetika Srivastava to deliver a strong protest and officially communicate a written démarche. The document outlines Islamabad’s decisions in response to what it calls India’s “hostile and unilateral measures,” including the alleged false flag operation in Pahalgam and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

According to diplomatic sources, Pakistan formally downgraded diplomatic ties and ordered the reduction of Indian High Commission staff in Islamabad to 30 members. Defence, naval, and air attachés and related personnel were declared persona non grata and instructed to leave the country. The decisions, described by Pakistani officials as “within the bounds of international diplomatic norms,” were formally delivered in writing.

Pakistan’s NSC: Water Aggression is an Act of War

Following an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan declared that any attempt by India to obstruct Pakistan’s rightful share of Indus River waters would be treated as an act of war. The NSC also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and water rights.

Protest Outside Indian High Commission

As diplomatic tensions surged, a large public demonstration was held outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Organized by civil society members, the protest condemned India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and accused New Delhi of attempting to weaponize water against Pakistan.

Chanting slogans such as “Stop Indian Water Terrorism!” and “Modi Sarkar Murdabad!”, protesters demanded international intervention. The rally proceeded peacefully, though security was heightened with the deployment of police and paramilitary forces to manage the crowd.

India Responds with Visa Revocations, Diplomatic Pullback

India has also taken reciprocal steps. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced the revocation of all valid visas issued to Pakistani nationals, effective April 27. Medical visas will remain valid only until April 29. All Pakistani nationals currently in India have been asked to depart before the expiration of their visas.

New Delhi has urged Indian citizens to avoid travel to Pakistan, and advised Indian nationals already in Pakistan to return home immediately.

India has reduced the staff at its High Commission in Islamabad from 55 to 30 and is recalling its defence attachés. In a parallel move, India summoned Pakistan’s top diplomat in New Delhi, Saad Ahmad Warraich, to issue formal notice declaring certain Pakistani military officials persona non grata.

Simla Accord Suspended

In a major symbolic and legal move, Pakistan also announced the suspension of the Simla Accord, a foundational agreement signed in 1972 that governs bilateral relations and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Officials say this suspension signals Islamabad’s belief that India has repeatedly violated the spirit and letter of the agreement.

Regional and Global Concerns

With both nations expelling diplomats and scaling down official ties, foreign policy experts warn the situation could rapidly deteriorate unless international mediators intervene. The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, has been considered a cornerstone of South Asian water diplomacy, and its suspension has sparked fears of a broader crisis involving environmental, humanitarian, and security dimensions.

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