Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday categorically rejected India’s reported move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan has also suspended the Simla Accord in retaliation for Indian aggression, hindering all bilateral ties between neighbours.

Speaking at a press briefing following a high-level National Security Committee (NSC) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Dar said the Pakistan Army is fully prepared to respond to any aggression, and called for summoning Indian diplomats in light of recent provocations. “India has consistently indulged in blame games. If they have any evidence, they must share it,” Dar asserted.

The NSC meeting, attended by key federal ministers, reviewed rising regional tensions and India’s “reckless” posture. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar warned that the Indus Waters Treaty cannot be suspended unilaterally and any attempt to do so will be met with serious consequences.

“If India tears up the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan reserves the right to walk away from the Simla Accord and other pacts,” he said. “India’s attitude has been highly irresponsible, and we will oppose it at every level.”

Pakistan hits back at India: closes airspace, seals border, cancels visas

Dar confirmed that India had closed the Attari border, prompting Pakistan to suspend the Wagah border crossing and related transit services. Moreover, Indian defence attachés have been ordered to leave Pakistan by May 1 and declared persona non grata. Pakistan has also revoked visas issued under the SAARC visa exemption scheme, though Sikh pilgrims will be exempted.

He added that India had unilaterally reduced the Pakistani High Commission’s staff in New Delhi from 55 to 30, and Pakistan has reciprocated. Furthermore, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian flights and suspended all bilateral trade.

Rejecting Indian allegations, Dar challenged New Delhi to produce credible proof. “There are reports of foreigners carrying heavy weaponry in Srinagar. Pakistan is monitoring the situation closely,” he said, emphasising that the Pakistan Armed Forces are fully prepared to counter any threat.

Dar also announced the postponement of his scheduled visit to Bangladesh and warned that if India reduces security for Pakistan’s diplomats, Islamabad will reciprocate.

NSC decides to approach international forums over Indus Water Treaty violation

“Water is a lifeline for 240 million people—India cannot block it. Doing so would be an act of war,” he said, asserting that the World Bank would be informed of India’s provocative statements. “Pakistan has already lost three rivers. Any attempt to stop our remaining water will be treated as a declaration of war.”

India backs TTP, supports violent activities in KP and Balochistan

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also lashed out at India’s regional conduct, accusing it of backing terrorism not just in South Asia but globally. “Narendra Modi was once banned from entering the US due to his role in the Gujarat massacre,” Asif reminded.

He slammed the heavy militarisation of Indian-occupied Kashmir, questioning how terrorist incidents could still occur in the presence of over 900,000 troops. “Pakistan not only condemns terrorism but has been its biggest victim,” he said, accusing India of sheltering leaders of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which he claimed is operating its network from Indian soil.

Asif also cited Canada’s recent diplomatic spat with India over interference allegations, noting that international protests have erupted against India’s actions.

India suspends Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, shuts Attari border post

Referring to Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, Asif said he was living proof of India’s state-sponsored terrorism, claiming that both the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and BLA have admitted ties with Indian agencies.

“India has imposed a low-intensity war on Pakistan, but we reserve the right to defend ourselves,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s missile technology and defence capabilities remain a source of national pride.

He concluded by reiterating that Pakistan will not succumb to any form of pressure and will continue to strengthen its defensive posture in the face of any aggression.