Pakistan Threatens to Suspend Simla Agreement Amid Escalating Indus Treaty Fallout, Calls India’s Actions “Water Warfare”

Following India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan retaliates with sweeping diplomatic and strategic measures, threatening to hold all bilateral pacts, including the pivotal Simla Agreement, in abeyance.

Apr 24, 2025 | In a sharp escalation of the diplomatic crisis triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan on Thursday announced a series of retaliatory steps, including a threat to suspend the Simla Agreement — a cornerstone of Indo-Pak bilateral relations since 1972.

Also Read: Pahalgam Terror Attack: Owaisi Slams Security Lapses, Demands Accountability

After an emergency security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Islamabad announced its intent to mirror India’s retaliatory actions, and even go a step further by calling the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty an act of “water warfare.”

Also Read: India Revokes Visas for Pakistani Nationals, Suspends All Visa Services Post Pahalgam Terror Attack

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🇵🇰 Key Statements from Pakistan’s Response:

• “Any attempt to stop or divert Pakistan’s water share under the Indus Treaty will be considered an act of war and responded to with full force.”
• “Pakistan shall exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India, including but not limited to the Simla Agreement, till India desists from fomenting terrorism inside Pakistan.”

Also Read: “To the Ends of the Earth”: PM Modi Sends Stern Warning to Pahalgam Terrorists in Global Address

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🛑 Pakistan’s Retaliatory Measures:

• Wagah Border closed immediately; transit for those already inside allowed till April 30.
• All SAARC and other visas for Indian citizens revoked with immediate effect (except Sikh pilgrims).
• Indian nationals in Pakistan (except Sikh pilgrims) instructed to leave within 48 hours.
• Airspace shut down for Indian-owned and operated airlines.
• All trade with India suspended, including third-country goods moving through Pakistan.
• Indian defence advisers declared persona non grata, mirroring India’s move.

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⚖️ Why Simla Agreement Matters:

The Simla Agreement was signed in 1972 following the India-Pakistan war of 1971. It laid the foundation for peaceful bilateral dialogue and established the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir. By threatening to suspend the Simla Agreement, Pakistan is effectively challenging the legitimacy of the LoC, raising fears of strategic instability in the region.

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⚠️ India’s Initial Actions Post-Pahalgam Attack:

• Suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960.
• Closed the Attari land checkpost.
• Downgraded diplomatic ties, cutting staff at the Pakistani High Commission.
• Ordered Pakistani nationals to leave India within 48 hours.
• Halted visa services for Pakistanis, except limited medical cases.

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🇮🇳 Awaiting India’s Response

India has not yet issued an official statement on Pakistan’s threat to suspend the Simla Agreement. However, diplomatic observers suggest this could become a major flashpoint, particularly given the strategic implications on the LoC and regional stability.

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💬 What This Means

Pakistan’s rhetoric of “water warfare” and potential abrogation of bilateral agreements highlights the deteriorating relationship post-Pahalgam. If not managed through backchannel diplomacy or third-party mediation, this could push South Asia into a new era of diplomatic hostility and strategic uncertainty.

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Tags:
Pahalgam terror attack, Simla Agreement, Indus Waters Treaty, India Pakistan relations, Pakistan water warfare, Wagah border closed, Pakistan retaliates, India suspends visas, bilateral treaty suspension, Pakistan shuts trade, Shehbaz Sharif, Narendra Modi, Line of Control, Kashmir terror, diplomatic standoff