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| Pakistan's National Security Committees (NSC)'s Decisive Response |
Pakistan's National Security Committee Responds Decisively to Regional Developments
Date: April 24, 2025
In a significant meeting held today, April 24, 2025, Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, undertook a comprehensive review of the national security landscape and the evolving regional situation. The meeting focused particularly on the aftermath of the regrettable Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on April 22 and the subsequent measures announced by India.
The NSC expressed concern over the loss of tourist lives in the attack. However, it firmly condemned the measures announced by India on April 23, characterizing them as "unilateral, unjust, politically motivated, extremely irresponsible and devoid of legal merit."
Reaffirming Pakistan's Principled Stance
The Committee reiterated Pakistan's unwavering position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, emphasizing its status as an internationally recognized unresolved issue, underscored by multiple UN Security Council resolutions. Pakistan's continued support for the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination was highlighted. The NSC observed that persistent Indian state oppression, the abrogation of statehood, and demographic manipulation in IIOJK inevitably fuel organic resistance and perpetuate cycles of violence.
Furthermore, the NSC pointed to what it described as systemic persecution of minorities, particularly Muslims, across India, citing the controversial Waqf Bill as a recent example of marginalization efforts. It urged India to take responsibility for security failures rather than exploiting tragic incidents for political gain.
Rejecting Baseless Allegations and Highlighting Indian Actions
Pakistan unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms. As a nation that has borne immense human and economic costs in the global fight against terrorism, Pakistan dismissed Indian attempts to link the Pahalgam incident to Pakistan as "frivolous, devoid of rationality and defeat logic," especially without credible investigation or evidence.
The NSC asserted that India's narrative cannot obscure its own alleged role in sponsoring terrorism on Pakistani soil, referencing the case of captured Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav as undeniable proof. The Committee also deplored implicit threats in India's statements and drew attention to alleged Indian state-sponsored extraterritorial assassinations, vowing to pursue accountability through international law.
Decisive Measures Adopted by the NSC
In response to India's actions, perceived as reckless and disregarding international norms, the NSC announced a series of robust measures:
- Indus Waters Treaty: Pakistan vehemently rejects any Indian notion of holding the treaty in abeyance, stating it's a binding international agreement with no provision for unilateral suspension. Water is declared a vital national interest, and any attempt to usurp Pakistan's water rights will be considered an "Act of War," met with a full-spectrum response.
- Bilateral Agreements: Pakistan reserves the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Agreement, in abeyance until India refrains from alleged terrorism sponsorship, transnational killings, and adheres to international law and UN resolutions on Kashmir.
- Wagah Border Closure: The Wagah Border Post is closed immediately for all cross-border transit from India, with limited return passage for those already crossed until April 30, 2025.
- SAARC Visa Suspension: SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme visas for Indian nationals (excluding Sikh pilgrims) are suspended and cancelled. Affected individuals currently in Pakistan must exit within 48 hours.
- Diplomatic Measures: Indian Defense, Naval, and Air Advisors in Islamabad are declared persona non grata and must leave by April 30, 2025. The strength of the Indian High Commission staff will be reduced to 30 by the same date.
- Airspace Closure: Pakistani airspace is closed immediately to all Indian-owned or operated airlines.
- Trade Suspension: All trade with India, including transit trade to third countries via Pakistan, is suspended forthwith.
National Resolve and Preparedness
The NSC underscored that Pakistan and its Armed Forces remain fully prepared and capable of defending the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity against any misadventure, referencing the resolute response in February 2019.
The Committee concluded that India's recent actions vindicate the Two-Nation Theory and the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. While committed to peace, Pakistan stands united and firm in protecting its sovereignty, security, dignity, and inalienable rights.
This comprehensive response from the NSC demonstrates Pakistan's resolve to act decisively when its core national interests and sovereignty are challenged, while simultaneously calling for adherence to international law and peaceful resolution of disputes.
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Dr. Tahir Mahmood
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