Pakistan Suspends Simla Agreement of 1972 as part of a series of retaliatory actions in response to India’s reaction to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in at least 28 fatalities. According to a report from the Pakistani media outlet Dawn, these retaliatory measures include closing the Wagah border for trade, halting Saarc visa exemptions for Indian citizens, and expelling Indian military diplomats who have been labeled as persona non grata.
The National Security Committee (NSC) of Pakistan, which is in charge of national security, met for over two hours to plan its response. They expressed sympathy for the Pahalgam attack victims but strongly opposed India’s actions, calling them “one-sided, unfair, politically driven, very careless, and without legal support.”
Suspension of the Simla Agreement
The Simla Agreement is a deal for peace signed by India and Pakistan following the 1971 conflict. One of its main outcomes was the establishment of the Line of Control (LOC) in Kashmir, which divides the region between the two countries. The agreement also included provisions for the return of prisoners of war, troop withdrawals, and a commitment to resolve future disputes through direct negotiations.
Pakistan’s Retaliatory Measures Against India
The actions announced by Pakistan, aside from the suspension of the Simla Agreement, reflect the measures India took in response to the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack and condemned the killing of tourists.
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Key Decisions Made by Pakistan:
The Indian High Commission in Islamabad will reduce its staff to 30 diplomats and personnel by April 30.
All SAARC visa exemptions for Indian citizens have been canceled.
India has declared its military attachés unwelcome.
The Wagah-Attari border will be closed for trade for an indefinite period.
Pakistan Warns India About Indus Waters Treaty Suspension
The NSC also issued a warning regarding India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, a long-standing agreement on water sharing. Pakistan stated that any attempt to stop or divert its share of water would be considered an “act of war” and firmly rejected India’s announcement to put the treaty on hold.
Pakistan reiterated its commitment to peace and expressed a desire for dialogue, but only under conditions it considers fair and lawful.
Pahalgam Attack Details
On April 22, attackers shot at tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, based in Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack that resulted in the deaths of at least 28 people, most of whom were tourists.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to find the attackers, no matter where they are in the world.
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