Pakistan Cuts Trade and Closes Airspace to India
Amid rising tensions, Pakistan has suspended all trade with India and blocked its airspace for Indian-owned and operated airlines. Goods from third countries transiting through Pakistan are also affected. Air India announced longer flight routes to Europe, the Middle East, and North America due to the airspace closure.
Pakistan also revoked visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, ordering Indian citizens under the program to leave within 48 hours. Indian defense officials in Islamabad were told to exit by April 30, and staff at the Indian High Commission were recalled.
The Pakistani government denied any role in the recent Kashmir terror attack, calling Indian accusations baseless. It condemned the attack, reaffirmed that Kashmir remains disputed, and criticized India’s response as politically motivated.
India, meanwhile, blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, including Indian and Nepali tourists. Prime Minister Modi vowed to punish those responsible and announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Indian diplomats were also recalled from Pakistan.