New Delhi: Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a peak after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025. In response to the attack, India took tough steps like suspending the Indus Water Treaty, closing the Attari border and canceling visas of Pakistani citizens. In response to this, on Thursday, after an emergency meeting, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) announced the closure of its airspace for India and the suspension of the 1972 Shimla Agreement. The meeting, chaired by Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, said, “Pakistan reserves the right to suspend all bilateral agreements, including the Shimla Agreement.”

Pakistan also stopped trade with India directly and through third countries with immediate effect. Also, it was decided to close the Wagah border post and cancel visas issued to Indian citizens under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). Except Sikh pilgrims, other citizens of India were ordered to leave Pakistan within 48 hours. The NSC termed India’s Indus Water Treaty suspension as unilateral and a threat to regional stability, saying, “Blocking or diverting Pakistan’s waters would be considered an act of war.”

This move by Pakistan is likely to further escalate tensions between the two countries. Experts believe that the suspension of the Shimla Agreement could raise questions over the legality of the Line of Control (LoC), which could increase instability in the region. It was also decided to reduce the capacity of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad to 30 employees from April 30. This situation could pose new challenges to peace and stability in South Asia.