Pakistan Scrambles to Respond After Pahalgam Attack Fallout
After India’s bold five-point response to the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan holds a high-stakes security meeting amid rising tensions.
Pakistan Holds Emergency Security Talks After India’s Bold Response to Pahalgam Attack
In a swiftly unfolding diplomatic drama, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened an urgent National Security Committee (NSC) meeting on Thursday, April 24, following India’s decisive five-point response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. The assault, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists and left 10 injured, has not only ignited grief but also reignited regional tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
India’s Five-Point Response: A Bold Political Shift
India’s reaction came swiftly. Following a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New Delhi announced a string of retaliatory measures. These included suspending the historic Indus Waters Treaty, a foundational agreement between the two countries since 1960, and expelling Pakistani diplomats and defense personnel from its High Commission in New Delhi.
In addition, the Integrated Check Post at Attari was closed indefinitely, cutting a crucial physical link between the countries. India also revoked all existing SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) entries for Pakistani nationals, effectively barring them from entry under regional cooperative protocols. This aggressive diplomatic stance signals a significant hardening of India’s policy toward Pakistan in the aftermath of terror incidents.
Pakistan Responds with Emergency National Security Meeting
In response, PM Shehbaz Sharif called the NSC meeting, which included the country’s top military commanders and key cabinet ministers. According to reports by Radio Pakistan and other local media, the meeting aimed to assess both the internal security climate and India’s “impulsive” decisions.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar voiced sharp criticism of India’s response during a televised interview, labeling it as “immature” and lacking in substantiating evidence. “India has not shared any credible proof linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack,” Dar claimed. “Instead, they have chosen to escalate rhetoric and take impractical steps that undermine regional peace.”
A Terror Attack That Shook the Valley—and the Region
The Pahalgam attack, which unfolded on the evening of April 23, saw armed militants open fire on a group of tourists visiting the scenic Kashmir valley. The victims, mostly civilians, had come seeking the tranquility of nature but met with violence that once again spotlighted the fragility of peace in the region.
While no group has officially claimed responsibility, Indian intelligence sources have hinted at cross-border involvement—fueling a narrative that has frequently complicated diplomacy between the two countries.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry, while condemning the violence and expressing sympathy for the victims, reiterated the nation’s stance against terrorism. However, the Indian government’s actions indicate a growing impatience with what it sees as Pakistan’s failure to curb cross-border militancy.
Indus Waters Treaty Suspension: A Watershed Moment?
Perhaps the most geopolitically significant part of India’s five-point response is the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Brokered by the World Bank over six decades ago, the treaty has survived multiple wars and political upheavals. Its suspension now adds a new layer of uncertainty to South Asia’s water diplomacy.
Experts warn that revoking the treaty could have far-reaching consequences not just environmentally, but also diplomatically. “Water security is national security,” said Dr. Anita Ray, a strategic affairs analyst. “This move marks a shift from containment to confrontation—and that’s worrying.”
What Lies Ahead?
As both nations dig in their heels, calls for restraint from the international community are beginning to surface. However, with national elections looming in both countries, political posturing may continue to dominate policy decisions.
The coming days could see intensified diplomatic lobbying at forums like the United Nations and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), but the effectiveness of such platforms remains questionable amid deepening distrust.
Final Thoughts
The aftermath of the Pahalgam attack has set the stage for a new chapter in India-Pakistan relations—one defined by high-stakes diplomacy, hardened rhetoric, and an uneasy recalibration of regional power dynamics. As both governments brace for the road ahead, the real question remains: Will this crisis escalate into another prolonged standoff, or can diplomacy prevail over provocation?
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available news sources and official statements as of April 24, 2025. It does not intend to take a political stance and aims solely to inform readers with balanced, factual reporting.
source : The Indian Express