Pakistan Ready to Respond to India’s Every Move, As Diplomatic Tensions Escalate Over Pahalgam Attack
Islamabad:Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has made it clear that Pakistan will give a “reciprocal response” to every action taken by India, especially in light of the recent Pahalgam incident. In an interview with Geo News’ Shahzeb Khanzada, Ishaq Dar confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prepared recommendations, and the final decision will be made by the National Security Committee (NSC).
He also stated that Pakistan has no association with the group that claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir. “We have no link to the organization responsible for the incident in Pahalgam. India should focus on self-accountability rather than blaming Pakistan,” Dar remarked. He emphasized that Pakistan is in a strong position to retaliate against any Indian aggression, noting that the response to the airspace violation during the Abhinandan episode was a reminder of Pakistan’s preparedness.
Regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, Dar acknowledged ongoing issues with India over the agreement, noting that the World Bank has also been involved in discussions. He stressed that Pakistan remains committed to addressing the matter diplomatically but would not hesitate to defend its rights.
**Pakistan Prepared for Full Retaliation: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif**
Minister of Defence Khawaja Asif echoed similar sentiments, stating that Pakistan is fully capable of responding to any Indian attack. “Just like we gave a strong reply during the Abhinandan incident, we are prepared to give a robust response now,” he said. Asif also suggested that India should focus on its internal issues instead of blaming Pakistan for the Pahalgam attack. “It’s also possible that the Pahalgam attack is a ‘false flag operation’ orchestrated by India itself,” he added, urging India to investigate the incident and hold the real perpetrators accountable.
He also questioned the presence of Indian forces in Kashmir, asking, “If innocent civilians are being killed in Kashmir, what is the role of the 700,000 Indian soldiers stationed there for decades?”
**India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty and Closes Border Post**
In an escalation of tensions, India has announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and the closure of the Attari border post, citing the Pahalgam attack as the reason. This move follows a cabinet meeting under Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after which the government also decided to cancel the visas of Pakistani nationals under the SAARC visa exemption scheme.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that all Pakistani visas are now void, and Pakistani citizens currently in India have been given 48 hours to leave the country. Indian citizens in Pakistan have been instructed to return to India by May 1 through the Attari check post.
Additionally, India has declared all defense, military, naval, and air advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as “persona non grata” and announced the withdrawal of the Indian defense attaché from Islamabad. The Indian High Commission in Pakistan will also be reduced in size, with staff numbers being cut from 55 to 30 by May 1.
**Pahalgam Attack Details:**
The tragic attack in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir, occurred on Tuesday, when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists. The attack resulted in the death of 26 people, including 2 foreign nationals from Italy and Israel, and 12 others were injured. Among the deceased was an officer of the Indian Navy. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, and Indian authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the perpetrators.
As diplomatic tensions soar, both countries are on high alert, with Pakistan pledging to take appropriate action in response to India’s provocative moves.
