Escalating Hostilities: Pakistan's Bold Moves Against India

In a dramatic response to India's recent actions following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has taken significant steps that could reshape regional relations. On Thursday, Islamabad issued stark warnings, declaring that any attempt by New Delhi to block water supplies to Pakistan would be interpreted as an outright act of war.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Committee to address India's stance, firmly labeling its decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)—a key water-sharing agreement mediated by the World Bank—as unilateral and unacceptable.

"If the flow of water owned by Pakistan is blocked or diverted, it will be deemed a declaration of war," warned Pakistani officials, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

Heightened Restrictions and Trade Suspension

Amidst these tensions, Pakistan has also implemented strict measures, including reducing the Indian High Commission’s staff in Islamabad to just 30 members starting from April 30. This diplomatic maneuver adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught interactions between the neighboring nations.

In a bold move, Pakistan has shut down its airspace to all Indian airlines with immediate effect, severing a critical link for air travel between the two countries.

Additionally, the nation has suspended all trade with India, cutting off routes even through third-party countries, and announced the immediate closure of the Wagah border crossing, a vital point of exchange.

The Road Ahead: A Tense Standoff