NSC labels Indian actions as “act of war,” rejects terrorism claims
In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, Pakistan on Thursday gave Indian nationals 48 hours to leave the country, excluding Sikh pilgrims currently engaged in religious visits. The decision was announced following an emergency session of the National Security Committee (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The move comes in direct response to what Pakistan calls “unprovoked and politically motivated” steps taken by India, including the expulsion of Pakistani citizens and diplomats and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Indian Diplomats Expelled, Tensions Rise
During a late-night press briefing, the Foreign Office confirmed that all Indian diplomats, including the Defence Attaché, have been ordered to leave. Pakistan has also recalled its High Commissioner from New Delhi, and personnel at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad have been instructed to vacate the premises within seven days.
The decision follows sweeping measures announced earlier by the Indian government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after a cabinet meeting, ordered the cancellation of all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, with a 48-hour departure deadline. India also declared Pakistani Air Force and Navy attachés persona non grata, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, and closed the Attari Integrated Check Post to Pakistani citizens.
Additionally, India has halted all visa services under the SAARC framework, heightening concerns of a diplomatic breakdown between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Pakistan Rejects Indian Accusations, Stands Firm on Kashmir
The NSC strongly rejected India’s claims of cross-border terrorism, which followed a deadly incident in the Pahalgam area of Indian-administered Kashmir. Indian authorities blamed Pakistan-based elements for the attack, which Islamabad has firmly denied.
“These are diversionary tactics aimed at deflecting global scrutiny from human rights violations in occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” the NSC said. Reaffirming its long-standing stance, Pakistan reiterated that Kashmir remains a disputed territory, subject to UN Security Council resolutions, and emphasized the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
Concerns Over Water Security and Regional Stability
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty—a landmark 1960 agreement brokered by the World Bank—has raised alarm among policy experts. A senior Pakistani official warned that weaponizing water could trigger a humanitarian and environmental crisis in Pakistan.
“If India breaches the treaty, it not only violates international law but threatens millions of lives dependent on these waters,” the official said.
While major global powers have yet to respond, diplomatic sources confirm that Pakistan has briefed both the United Nations and the World Bank on the developments and the potential risks to regional stability.
Sikh Pilgrims Allowed to Stay
In a move to uphold religious freedom, Pakistan has clarified that Sikh pilgrims currently visiting holy sites, including Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, are exempt from the expulsion order. The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of religious minorities and international visitors.
“Sikh Yatris are our honoured guests. We will ensure their safety, comfort, and freedom to complete their pilgrimage,” a Foreign Office spokesperson stated.
As tensions reach a new high, analysts warn that continued diplomatic retaliation could have far-reaching consequences, not only for bilateral ties but for broader regional peace and cooperation.
