Pakistan says any attempt by India to block water would be deemed an act of war

A day after India announced a slew of measures against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, Islamabad on Thursday said any attempt by New Delhi to block the flow of water to it would be deemed an act of war.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee after India’s response to the terror attack.

In its statement, Pakistan termed India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty unilateral. "If the flow of water meant for Pakistan is blocked or diverted, it would be deemed a declaration of war," Pakistan said.

It put the Simla Agreement and other bilateral accords with India on hold.

It also restricted the Indian High Commission’s staff in Islamabad to 30 personnel, effective from April 30.

Besides, Pakistan has closed its airspace to all Indian airlines’ flights with immediate effect.

Islamabad also decided to suspend all trade with India, including that routed through third countries. It has also announced the immediate closure of the Wagah border crossing.