Following what has now been widely recognized as a staged and orchestrated event by Indian security forces in Pahalgam, the Government of Pakistan has delivered a robust, calculated, and proportionate response to this reckless provocation. The National Security Committee (NSC), Pakistan’s highest security body, has reviewed the matter extensively and initiated a multi-pronged national strategy to counter India’s disinformation tactics and unlawful aggression.
Pahalgam Incident: A Manufactured Pretext
On April 19, 2025, Indian media prematurely reported the “neutralization” of so-called infiltrators in the Pahalgam region of Indian-administered Kashmir. The narrative—disseminated swiftly by hyper-nationalistic Indian outlets—painted a picture of external aggression. However, glaring inconsistencies in the timeline, missing forensic evidence, contradictory eyewitness accounts, and quiet leaks from Indian intelligence circles have cast serious doubt on the authenticity of the operation.
Independent analysts and global observers have increasingly concluded that the incident was manufactured to:
- Distract from India’s escalating internal issues, including widespread farmers’ protests.
- Deflect global attention from human rights violations in Kashmir.
- Engineer justification for unilateral action against Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Strategic and Proportionate Response
On April 21, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired an emergency session of the NSC, attended by the Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, intelligence chiefs, cabinet ministers, and senior officials. The committee concluded that India’s actions posed a direct threat to regional stability.
In a stern communiqué, the NSC reiterated:
“Pakistan categorically rejects India’s fabricated allegations. Any misadventure will elicit a response that is swift, resolute, and across the complete spectrum of national power.”
Key Measures Taken by Pakistan
1. Water Declared a Vital National Interest – Any Interference is an Act of War
In a landmark declaration, Pakistan has officially designated water as a Vital National Interest, elevating its status within national security doctrine.
“Any Indian attempt to block, divert or manipulate the natural flow of rivers into Pakistan will now be considered an Act of War,” read the NSC statement.
This reaffirms Pakistan’s stance on the sanctity of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning of severe consequences should India weaponize water as a strategic tool.
2. Immediate Closure of Wagah Border
Effective immediately, the Wagah Border, the primary land link between the two nations, has been closed.
All Indian personnel and logistical units must exit Pakistan by April 30, 2025.
Cross-border diplomatic and commercial activity has been suspended.
3. Suspension of Bilateral and Transit Trade, Including Afghan Corridor
The Ministry of Commerce has:
Terminated all direct and indirect trade with India.
Revoked the Afghan Transit Trade Agreement insofar as Indian-origin goods are concerned.
All customs checkpoints and sea ports have been instructed to enforce a zero-tolerance implementation of these directives.
4. Suspension of SAARC Visas for Indian Nationals – Exemption for Sikh Pilgrims
To underline its stance while respecting religious sanctity:
Pakistan has suspended all SAARC visa arrangements for Indian citizens.
Indian nationals currently in Pakistan must depart within 48 hours.
Sikh pilgrims visiting Kartarpur Sahib and other religious sites remain exempt, reflecting Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to interfaith harmony.
5. Indian Military Attachés Declared Persona Non Grata
In a diplomatic escalation:
Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Attachés have been declared persona non grata.
These officials are to leave Pakistan by April 30, 2025.
This measure aims to halt covert intelligence activities masked under diplomatic cover.
6. Downsizing Indian High Commission in Islamabad
Pakistan has ordered a reduction in the strength of the Indian High Commission to a skeletal staff of 30 persons.
Simultaneously, select Pakistani diplomats are being recalled from New Delhi for consultations.
The move reflects Pakistan’s intention to scale back diplomatic engagement to minimum functional levels.
7. Pakistan Closes Airspace for Indian Airlines
In a substantial logistical blow to Indian aviation:
Pakistan has sealed its airspace to all Indian-owned and Indian-operated flights, including:
- Direct flights
- Overflights
- Code-share arrangements
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued an official NOTAM, causing immediate disruptions to Indian carriers on West-bound routes.
Pakistan’s Global Diplomatic Engagement
Pakistan has launched a global diplomatic campaign to:
- Expose India’s reliance on false flag operations for domestic and international posturing.
- Engage with the UNSC permanent members, OIC, EU, and other key forums.
- Mobilize its embassies to collaborate with academia, media, and civil society to dismantle the Pahalgam narrative and highlight India’s information warfare tactics.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has emphasized that India’s actions are not only destabilizing for South Asia but also part of a larger agenda of oppression and subjugation in Kashmir.
Military Vigilance and Readiness
While reaffirming its commitment to peace, Pakistan has not let down its guard. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) released a stern message:
“The Pakistan Armed Forces are in a state of heightened readiness. Any Indian misadventure will result in a response far beyond their calculation.”
- Troop movements and air defence operations along the Line of Control (LoC) have intensified.
- Real-time monitoring and secure communications channels have been tested across military installations.
A Call for Responsible Behavior and Regional Stability
Pakistan has cautioned the international community about the consequences of ignoring India’s behavior:
- Manufacturing conflict narratives undermines regional peace.
- Strategic restraint must not be mistaken for weakness.
- False flag operations must be called out for what they are—tools of coercion and propaganda.
Restraint, Resolve, and Responsibility
In responding to the Pahalgam provocation, Pakistan has chosen the path of diplomatic strength, national unity, and strategic clarity. While it continues to pursue regional peace, it has made it unequivocally clear: provocation will be met with proportionate force.
As South Asia teeters on the brink of heightened tension, Pakistan has once again shown maturity and leadership in steering the region away from the brink—while sending an unmistakable message: Sovereignty is non-negotiable.
