Pakistan Engages Foreign Diplomats Amid Rising Tensions with India Following Pahalgam Attack

Pakistan has been actively engaging with foreign diplomats in Islamabad to discuss the escalating tensions with India following the Pahalgam attack. On Friday, Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch briefed diplomats on the situation, sharing insights from the National Security Committee meeting. She firmly rejected India's accusations linking Pakistan to the attack, according to a statement from the Foreign Office.

The attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, occurred on Tuesday when terrorists opened fire, resulting in 26 deaths, mostly tourists. This incident marks the deadliest attack in the region since the Pulwama strike in 2019. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) based in Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Diplomatic Engagement and Regional Tensions

Baloch warned against any escalatory actions by India and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to respond decisively to any aggressive moves. Meanwhile, in New Delhi, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decided to close the Integrated Check Post at Attari immediately. Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES), and previously issued visas are now invalid.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that all valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals are revoked as of April 27. However, medical visas will remain valid until April 29. In response, Islamabad closed the Wagah border post on Thursday and cancelled visas issued to Indians under SVES. Military advisers at the Indian High Commission were also asked to leave.

Visa Restrictions and Border Closures

Pakistan stated that all cross-border transit from India through this route is suspended without exception. Those who crossed with valid endorsements must return by April 30. Earlier on Thursday, Baloch briefed diplomats about the evolving situation post-Pahalgam attack and condemned what she termed as an Indian misinformation campaign against Pakistan.

She emphasised that such tactics hinder peace and stability in the region. The Foreign Secretary reiterated Pakistan's stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received a call from Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Friday.

International Discussions and Regional Coordination

The two leaders discussed regional developments, with Dar briefing Prince Faisal on decisions made by Pakistan's National Security Committee following India's measures after the Pahalgam attack. Both leaders agreed to continue consultations and coordination regarding the evolving regional situation, as stated by the Foreign Office.

This diplomatic engagement highlights ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan following recent events in Jammu and Kashmir. Both nations have taken reciprocal measures affecting visa policies and border operations amidst rising concerns over regional stability.