Pakistan Suspends Simla Agreement ,Trade and Closes Airspace to Indian Aircraft
In a historic and escalatory move, Pakistan has officially suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement — a foundational peace treaty between India and Pakistan. The decision comes amid heightened tensions following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which claimed at least 26 lives.
The announcement was made by Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC), which also unveiled a series of sweeping countermeasures in response to what it termed India’s “aggressive and unlawful” actions. These include:
- Closure of the Wagah Border: A key trade and transit route between the two nations is now shut indefinitely.
- Suspension of SAARC Visa Exemptions: Indian citizens will no longer benefit from regional visa waivers under the SAARC agreement.
- Expulsion of Indian Military Diplomats: Defence officials posted in Islamabad have been declared persona non grata and ordered to leave.
- Reduction of Indian Diplomatic Presence: The Indian High Commission in Islamabad is to be downsized to 30 members by April 30.
The Simla Agreement, signed after the 1971 war, laid the foundation for peaceful resolution of disputes, particularly concerning the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir. Its suspension raises concerns about future military stability in the region.
Pakistan has strongly denied involvement in the Pahalgam attack, despite claims of responsibility by the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba group. Islamabad has dismissed the incident as a “false flag operation” designed to malign it internationally.
Additionally, the NSC condemned India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that any disruption of Pakistan’s water share would be considered an “act of war”.
The diplomatic standoff marks one of the most serious deteriorations in India-Pakistan relations in recent years.
