In a retaliatory response to India's measures, Pakistan on Thursday said it 'rejects' India's decision to revoke the 1960 Indus Water Treaty - which remains a lifeline for its 240 million Pakistanis.
"Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty, and the usurpation of the rights of lower riparian will be considered as an act of war and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of national power," the statement released after the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting convened in Islamabad on Thursday mentioned, Pakistani media reported.
India on Wednesday pulled all stops on diplomatic courtesy when it unilaterally suspended the decades old Indus Water Treaty , revoked SAARC visas for Pakistani dignitaries and closed the historic Wagah Attari border.
It further stated, "The Treaty is a binding international agreement brokered by the World Bank and contains no provision for unilateral suspension."
The nation vehemently rejected both, India's suspension of the treaty and India's claim that Pakistan was involved in cross-boundary terrorism.
Pakistan expressed sorrow for the lives lost in the Pahalgam terror attack and said it remains committed to peace, but, "will never allow anyone to transgress its sovereignty, security, dignity and inalienable rights."
Pakistan also warned that it will go beyond inactivating the Shimla Agreement if India does not break the pattern of unilateral decisions and alleging Pakistan of terrorism.
Pakistan also announced closure of the Wagah Border Post, with immediate effect. All cross-border transit from India through this route shall be suspended, without exception.
Furthermore, Pakistan said that India is in violation of international conventions, UN Security Council Resolutions and international obligations at will.
As a countermeasure, Pakistan has closed the Wagah border, suspended all trade between two countries, revoked all visas except for medical visas which remain relevant till April 29, closed airspaces, rejected SAARC privileges and limited Indian High Commission staff to 30 persons
