The National Security Committee rejected India’s measures against Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack as irresponsible and politically motivated. The NSC also labelled any attempt to stop Pakistan’s waters as an ‘act of war’ and expressed that Pakistan is capable and ready to defend itself against aggression.
The National Security Committee, Pakistan’s highest forum for security related policy, began a meetingmet in Islamabad on Thursday to formulate the country’s response to India after the latter’s accusations over the Pahalgam attack. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and includes the political and security leadership including Army Chief General Asim Munir.
The statement issued from the PM Office said that the participants expressed concern over the loss of lives in the attack on Pahalgam.
However, the Committee called India’s measures against Pakistan in the wake of the attack as ‘unilateral, unjust, politically motivated, extremely irresponsible and devoid of legal merit’.
The statement added that Kashmir is an unresolved dispute that must be solved as per UN resolutions.
“Pakistan continues to support the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people,” the statement said, adding that repression of Kashmiris is leading to organic backlash against the Indian occupation.
The statement also rejected the Indian announcement of holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, adding that the there is no provision for one country to pull out of the agreement.
“Water is a Vital National Interest of Pakistan, a lifeline for its 240 million people and its availability will be safeguarded at all costs,” the Committee said. It added that any attempt to divert or usurp the water flowing to Pakistan will be considered ‘an act of war’.
The Committee also announced the closure of Wagah border, suspension of visas under SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme except Sikhs, and has declared Indian Defence, Naval and Air Advisors as persona non grata.
The Committee also announced that all trade with India will be suspended and Pakistan’s airspace will be closed for Indian owned or operated planes.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has already expressed concern over the attack in Pahalgam, Indian Occupied Kashmir, and expressed condolences over the loss of life.
The statement from the NSC also said that the country and its armed forces remain capable of defending the country’s borders and interests.
“The Pakistani Nation remains committed to peace, but will never allow anyone to transgress its sovereignty, security, dignity and their inalienable rights,” the statement added.
The meeting took place after India’s Cabinet Committee for Security under Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a slew of measures against Pakistan over the Pahalgam attack which claimed the lives of 26 people.
The meeting decided that India will suspend the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, close the Wagah-Attari border and end visa access for Pakistanis.
While India’s announcement has blamed Pakistan for the attack in Indian Occupied Kashmir, no evidence has been presented over the claims so far.
