Islamabad Scrambles: Top Pakistani Leaders to Meet Today After India’s Tough Stand Over Pahalgam Attack

In response to India's firm diplomatic and strategic steps following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has convened a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Thursday, according to Geo News. The session, to be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is aimed at formulating Pakistan's official reaction.

Minister Asif stated that the committee would evaluate India's recent actions and determine a "suitable response." He also cautioned that if India escalates the situation due to internal political pressures, Pakistan possesses the capability to respond decisively.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar labelled India's moves as "unjustified and unserious," assuring that Pakistan would issue a "strong and appropriate" reaction.

Pakistan Denies India's Right to Suspend Indus Waters Treaty

Asif also rejected India's authority to unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, emphasizing that the treaty involves not only India and Pakistan but also global stakeholders such as the World Bank.

Echoing this stance, former Pakistani High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit stated that the treaty cannot be dissolved or paused by one party alone. He warned of potential retaliatory actions by India and urged Pakistan to remain alert, noting, "India could act unpredictably-we must be prepared."

India's Retaliatory Measures Intensify

India, citing "cross-border involvement" in the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people-many of them tourists-announced a set of stern measures on Wednesday. These include:

Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty

Expulsion of Pakistani military officials

Closure of the Attari land border crossing

After a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised that India's response would be firm and forthcoming. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri later told the press that the attack seemed aimed at destabilizing the peaceful conduct of elections and the ongoing developmental progress in Jammu and Kashmir.