Pahalgam Terror Attack Sparks Diplomatic Fallout
A deadly terrorist attack struck the Baisaran meadow area of Pahalgam in Anantnag district on April 22, leaving India in shock. The assault killed 26 people—mostly tourists—and injured several others. Authorities have strongly condemned the attack and blamed it on cross-border terrorism, allegedly backed by Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Official X Handle Withheld in India
As an initial step, India has withheld access to the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Government of Pakistan—@GovtofPakistan. A notification informs users in India that a legal directive has restricted the handle. This digital blockade is viewed as a symbolic yet serious response to Pakistan’s continued inaction against terror groups operating from its territory.
CCS Meeting: Major Diplomatic and Security Measures Announced
In response to the attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened a high-level meeting. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with other top officials, participated in strategising India’s countermeasures.
Key decisions announced during the meeting include:
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (1960): India has decided to put the historic water-sharing treaty on hold until Pakistan demonstrates a credible and permanent disassociation from terrorist activities.
Closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post: This vital trade and transit route between India and Pakistan will be shut down immediately.
Revocation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES): All Pakistani nationals in India under this scheme must vacate the country within 48 hours.
Diplomatic Ties Downgraded
India has moved to downgrade diplomatic representation between the two countries:
The defence, naval, and air advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and given one week to exit the country.
India will reciprocate by withdrawing its corresponding military advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
Five support staff members assisting these military representatives in both nations will also be withdrawn.
High Commission Staff Strength Reduced
In an unprecedented step, both nations will reduce the size of their respective diplomatic missions. 161
From May 1, 2025, the official strength in every high commission would be reduced to 30 officers from the present 55 officials. The reduction indicates a stark downgrade of the bilateral interface.
Foreign Secretary Sketches Out India’s Stern Line
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, while speaking at a press conference after the CCS meeting, condemned the attack on Pahalgam severely. He stated India’s actions are aimed at protecting national security and making it perfectly clear to Pakistan and the rest of the world that terrorism will not be tolerated.
He added that Pakistan will have to make concrete and irrevocable steps to dismantle terrorist networks if it wants to revive diplomatic and economic ties with India.
A Turning Point in India-Pakistan Relations
The Pahalgam terror attack killed innocent lives and was also a turning point in Indian policy towards Pakistan. India has reacted in powerful ways ranging from diplomatic expulsions to suspensions of treaties that demonstrate its zero tolerance for terrorism. These actions show the nation’s tough determination to protect its citizens and sovereignty at any cost. Source ANINEWS
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