Islamabad, April 23, 2025 – Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated urgent consultations to address India’s recent decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and scale back diplomatic relations, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move follows heightened tensions between the two nations, sparked by a tragic attack on tourists in the Pahalgam area of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
The Foreign Office is exploring a range of retaliatory measures in response to what it describes as India’s “provocative diplomatic stance.” Among the options under consideration are the potential expulsion of Indian military attachés, including defence, air, and naval representatives, as well as their support staff. Discussions also include the possibility of repatriating personnel from India’s High Commission in Islamabad. A final course of action will be determined after consultations with Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership, with the National Security Committee set to review the situation in an upcoming meeting.
India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 agreement brokered by the World Bank to manage shared river resources, marks a significant escalation. The treaty has long been a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, surviving multiple conflicts. India’s cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also moved to cancel all visas issued to Pakistani nationals under the SAARC framework and ordered Pakistani citizens in India to leave within 48 hours.
The Pakistani Foreign Office has expressed concern over India’s actions, emphasizing the need for a measured yet firm response. “We are assessing all options to safeguard our national interests,” a ministry spokesperson said, declining to elaborate further until a formal decision is reached.
Analysts warn that the suspension of the treaty could have far-reaching implications for water security and regional stability, given the dependence of both nations on the Indus River system. As diplomatic channels strain, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for dialogue to prevent further escalation.
Pakistan’s leadership is expected to finalize its stance in the coming days, balancing domestic pressures with the need to maintain regional stability. The outcome of these deliberations will likely shape the trajectory of India-Pakistan relations for the foreseeable future.
