In a significant move, Pakistan has halted all forms of trade with India, including goods in transit from third countries. Alongside the trade suspension, Pakistan has sealed its land borders and barred Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines from entering its airspace.
The measures, implemented under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari, are part of a broader set of actions aimed at New Delhi. The country clarified that the airspace ban applies universally to all carriers tied to India. Consequently, Air India announced that its routes to destinations like the UK, the Middle East, and North America would be rerouted, leading to longer flight durations.
Visa Exemptions Revoked, Diplomats Expelled
Pakistan also announced the suspension of all visas issued under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, a policy that previously allowed certain categories of travelers to visit without standard visa requirements. Indian nationals residing in Pakistan under this scheme were given 48 hours to leave.
However, an exception was made for Sikh pilgrims traveling for religious purposes. Moreover, Pakistan ordered Indian Defense, Naval, and Air advisers in Islamabad to depart by April 30. The nation further declared that positions at the Indian High Commission had been rendered void, with supporting staff instructed to return home.
Pakistan Condemns Indian Allegations, Denies Involvement in Terror Attack
Responding to the accusations from India, Pakistan dismissed any involvement in the recent terrorist incident in Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, which claimed 26 lives, including tourists from India and Nepal. The Pakistani government described India’s response as politically charged and lacking legal grounds. It reiterated that linking the attack to Pakistan without concrete evidence was irrational and baseless.
While denying any role in the incident, Pakistan voiced sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and reaffirmed its stance against terrorism. It emphasized that Kashmir remains an unresolved territorial conflict and criticized New Delhi’s "unilateral and aggressive" stance.
India Holds Pakistan Accountable
On India’s side, Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly condemned the Pahalgam attack, vowing to pursue those responsible and their sponsors relentlessly. According to Indian officials, this attack is among the deadliest in recent times targeting civilians in the disputed region.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that India would temporarily suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, a long-standing water-sharing agreement with Pakistan, as part of the response. Additionally, Indian diplomats have been recalled from Islamabad, and some Pakistani envoys were asked to leave New Delhi.$
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