Pakistan’s Measured Response to Pahalgam Attack
The tragic Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, has sharply intensified tensions between India and Pakistan. The assault was quickly attributed by India to Pakistan-based militant groups, prompting a series of punitive actions against Islamabad. In response, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC), led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, convened an urgent meeting to craft a reaction. The focus of Pakistan’s strategy emphasized protecting national sovereignty while striving to maintain regional stability amidst rising geopolitical uncertainties.
Pakistan’s Stance: A Firm Denial and Call for Investigation
Pakistan was quick to condemn the Pahalgam attack, expressing its sorrow over the loss of innocent lives. However, the Pakistani government adamantly rejected India’s accusations of complicity, calling them groundless and politically motivated. The NSC stressed the necessity for an independent, transparent investigation to determine the facts, urging against hasty conclusions that might further inflame the already fragile situation.
Despite the accusations, Pakistan reaffirmed its dedication to combating terrorism in all its forms. It highlighted the considerable sacrifices the country has endured due to terrorism, emphasizing its vital role as a global partner in counter-terrorism efforts. Pakistan’s engagement in counter-terrorism operations in collaboration with international agencies such as the UN and the U.S. was underscored, portraying the country as a steadfast ally in the fight against extremism.
Security Measures: A Series of Retaliatory Actions by Pakistan
In light of India’s response to the attack, Pakistan took reciprocal measures that included a series of diplomatic, military, and security-based actions:
• Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: Pakistan condemned India’s unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a violation of international law. The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, had been a cornerstone of Pakistan-India relations. Islamabad argued that the treaty could only be altered through mutual agreement, and any attempts to disrupt water flows would be viewed as an act of aggression.
• Reduction of Diplomatic Relations: Pakistan declared Indian defense, naval, and air advisors in Islamabad as persona non grata, significantly reducing the Indian High Commission’s diplomatic presence to just 30 members.
• Closure of the Wagah Border: The Wagah border, a key crossing point between the two nations, was shut down to all traffic, except for Sikh religious pilgrims, marking a severe step in the suspension of cross-border relations.
• Suspension of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme: Pakistan also suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Indian nationals, ordering the departure of Indian nationals in the country within 48 hours, with the exception of Sikh pilgrims.
These measures signified a clear message from Pakistan: the nation was willing to stand firm in the face of international pressure and assert its rights.
India’s Escalating Actions: Criticism and Strategic Maneuvers
India’s response to the attack was characterized by a series of decisive actions that further strained the relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbors:
• Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: India’s decision to suspend the treaty, which Pakistan denounced as “water warfare,” raised alarm in international diplomatic circles.
• Closure of the Wagah-Attari Border: India also closed the Wagah-Attari border crossing, the only road link open for passengers between the two countries.
• Expulsion of Pakistani Diplomats: In a retaliatory move, India expelled Pakistani military, defense, naval, and air advisors from the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi, signaling a clear deterioration in diplomatic ties.
• Visa Restrictions: India imposed a 48-hour deadline for all Pakistani nationals holding SAARC visas to leave India, also halting the issuance of new visas under the scheme.
These aggressive moves from India exacerbated the situation, reinforcing the deepening divide between the two countries.
The Diplomatic Fallout: How the World Views Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan’s retaliatory steps, including the closure of the Wagah border and the suspension of trade, reflect the gravity with which Islamabad has reacted to India’s provocative measures. By expelling Indian diplomats and suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, Pakistan has not only demonstrated its resolve but also solidified its position on the global stage as a country asserting its sovereignty in the face of external pressure.
The closure of Pakistan’s airspace to Indian airlines and the suspension of trade, including commerce through third countries, underscores the seriousness of the situation. The suspension of trade ties threatens to destabilize both economies, given the significant role trade has played in their bilateral relations. These actions highlight the potential for a further deterioration of the diplomatic relationship, especially in light of the shared history of conflict and distrust.
Kashmir and Broader Implications: The International Angle
The situation in Kashmir remains a significant point of contention. Pakistan has long maintained that Kashmir is a disputed territory, as acknowledged by several United Nations resolutions. In light of the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan reiterated its support for the self-determination of the Kashmiri people, condemning the Indian state’s oppressive policies in the region. The ongoing military occupation of Kashmir and human rights abuses, particularly against Muslims, continue to fuel the unrest.
India’s internal policies, including the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and controversial legislation such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), have attracted widespread condemnation from international human rights organizations. These actions have compounded the challenges to peace and stability in the region, drawing attention from global bodies such as the United Nations.
Global Reactions: Concerns Over Escalation
The international community has expressed concern over the escalation between India and Pakistan. Analysts warn that continued military posturing, coupled with retaliatory measures, could have disastrous consequences not just for South Asia but for global peace. The involvement of international organizations such as the UN, and the role of key players like the United States, will be crucial in preventing further escalation and in addressing the root causes of the conflict.
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack and subsequent diplomatic tit-for-tat, the world watches closely. The situation remains volatile, with both nations locked in a dangerous spiral of escalation. For now, Pakistan has made it clear that it will not back down from defending its sovereignty and regional interests, while also appealing for a measured, transparent investigation into the attack. As the situation evolves, it is evident that the dynamics between India and Pakistan will continue to shape the security and diplomatic landscape in South Asia for the foreseeable future.
References:
1. The Global Terrorism Index, Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).
2. United Nations Security Council Resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir (UNSC Resolutions 47, 51, 80).
3. Indus Waters Treaty, World Bank, 1960.
4. FATF Mutual Evaluation Report, Financial Action Task Force, 2019.
5. Human Rights Watch – India 2021 Report (on Jammu and Kashmir).
6. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Report on Kashmir, 2021.
7. Pakistan’s Diplomatic Response to India, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan, 2025.
8. India’s Human Rights Violations in Kashmir, Amnesty International Report, 2021.
