Pakistan Closes Airspace, Suspends Trade with India

According to Reuters, Pakistan said on Thursday that all Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines would be prohibited from using its airspace going forward. According to the article, it also protested India’s decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty on hold. They suspended all trade with India, including commodities going through Pakistan to or from third nations.

Any attempt to block or reroute the flow of water allotted to Pakistan, or any infringement on its rights as a lower riparian state, will be deemed “an act of war,” according to the Pakistani government. Additionally, according to PTI, Pakistan ordered Indian military advisors at its High Commission to depart by April 30.

Trade with India Suspended by Pakistan

With effect from April 30, 2025, the Indian High Commission in Islamabad will have 30 diplomats and staff, the Pakistani PMO said in a press release. Additionally, it said that all trade with India, including that to and from any third country via Pakistan, is halted.

As stated in the PMO statement, “Pakistan shall exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India. Including but not limited to the Simla Agreement, in abeyance.” The statement also made reference to the Simla.

Pakistan Forces Closed the Wagah Border

Pakistan has barred all cross-border transit from India using this route in addition to closing the Wagah Border Post. The announcement further states, “Those who have crossed with valid endorsements may return through that route immediately. Not later than 30 April 2025.” According to the announcement, Islamabad has also stopped and declared all Indian nationals’ visas granted under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) null and void with immediate effect.

Pakistan’s Actions Highlight Against India Following the Terror Attack in Pahalgam

• The Indus Water Treaty is the lifeline for 240 million Pakistanis. Islamabad has stated that it “rejects” India’s intention to stop it in the wake of the Pahalgam terror assault.
• According to a Pakistani statement, “any attempt to divert or stop water meant for Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty will be considered an Act of War.”
• According to the Pakistani statement, “strong reciprocal measures in all domains will be met with any threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty and to the security of its people.”
• In reaction to the actions taken by New Delhi, Pakistan further terminated the Simla agreement of 1971.
• It said that “Pakistan shall exercise the right to hold in abeyance all bilateral agreements with India. Including but not limited to the Simla Agreement.”
• Additionally, Indian defence, naval, and aviation advisors were deemed “persona non grata” in the statement.
• According to the PMO statement, “they are instructed to depart Pakistan immediately but no later than 30 April 2025.” Beginning on April 30, the Indian High Commission in Islamabad will have just 30 diplomats and employees.