Pakistan halts trade and airspace access for India after tensions over Pahalgam terror attack
PTC Web Desk: In a strong retaliatory move following India’s recent diplomatic crackdown, Pakistan on Thursday suspended SAARC visa privileges for Indian dignitaries and froze all bilateral agreements with New Delhi. The sweeping measures were announced after a high-level National Security Committee (NSC) meeting held in Islamabad, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The government further imposed a blanket ban on all trade with India, including goods transiting through third countries. In addition, Pakistan has closed its airspace to all Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines with immediate effect.
Military advisers stationed at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad have been directed to exit the country by April 30, 2025. However, Pakistan clarified that Sikh pilgrims will not be impacted by the updated visa policies and will continue to receive exemptions.
This sharp escalation follows the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. In response, India took diplomatic measures and briefed ambassadors from several key countries — including Germany, Japan, Poland, the UK, and Russia — at the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday.
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- With inputs from agencies
