Islamabad: Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan has said that the Pakistani Nation remains committed to peace, but will never allow anyone to transgress its sovereignty, security, dignity and their inalienable rights.
This was stated by Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan while addressing the weekly press briefing on Friday.
Shafqat Ali Khan said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Thursday. The participants discussed the national security environment and the regional situation, particularly in the wake of Pahalgam attack in the Anantnag District of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on 22 April 2025.
For record I will once again read the decisions of the Committee that are as following:
Pakistan vehemently rejects the Indian announcement to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. The Treaty is a binding international agreement brokered by the World Bank and contains no provision for unilateral suspension. Water is a Vital National Interest of Pakistan, a lifeline for its 240 million people and its availability will be safeguarded at all costs. Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty, and the usurpation of the rights of lower riparian will be considered as an Act of War and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of National Power.
Noting the reckless and irresponsible behavior of India, which disregards international conventions, UN Security Council Resolutions and international obligations at will, Pakistan shall exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India including but not limited to Simla Agreement in abeyance, till India desists from its manifested behaviour of fomenting terrorism inside Pakistan; trans-national killings; and non-adherence to international law and UN Resolutions on Kashmir.
Pakistan shall close down the Wagah Border Post, with immediate effect. All cross-border transit from India through this route shall be suspended, without exception. Those who have crossed with valid endorsements may return through that route immediately but not later than 30 April 2025.
Pakistan suspends all visas under SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) issued to Indian nationals and deems them cancelled with immediate effect, with the exception of Sikh religious pilgrims. Indian nationals currently in Pakistan under SVES are instructed to exit within 48 hours, less Sikh pilgrims.
Pakistan declares the Indian Defence, Naval and Air Advisors in Islamabad persona non grata. They are directed to leave Pakistan immediately but not later than 30 April 2025. These posts in the Indian High Commission are deemed annulled. Support staff of these Advisors are also directed to return to India.
The strength of Indian High Commission in Islamabad will be reduced to 30 diplomats and staff members, with effect from 30 April 2025.
Pakistan's airspace will be closed with immediate effect for all Indian owned or Indian operated airlines.
All trade with India including to and from any third country through Pakistan is suspended forthwith.
The National Security Committee underscored that Pakistan and its Armed Forces remain fully capable and prepared to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any misadventure, as clearly demonstrated by its measured yet resolute response to India's reckless incursion in February 2019.
In conclusion, India's belligerent measures have vindicated the Two- Nation Theory as well as the apprehensions of Quaid- E- Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, as encapsulated in the 1940 Pakistan Resolution, which continues to echo the sentiments of the complete Pakistani Nation.
Shafqat Ali Khan said that the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, paid a two-day official visit toTurkiye, on 22 April 2025. During the visit, the Prime Minister held extensive discussions with President Erdogan on bilateral relations and exchanged views on recent developments in the region and beyond. These regular bilateral exchanges stand for a continuation of robust dialogue and underscore the shared commitment to further elevate the multifaceted partnership between Pakistan and Trkiye.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was on an official visit to Pakistan from 20-21 April 2025. During the visit, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan called on the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
He also held talks with the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan. The entire spectrum of bilateral relations, with particular focus on trade and investment, energy cooperation, and people-to-people linkages was reviewed during the meeting. Besides the focus on further cementing excellent bilateral relations, regional security and regional and global issues of mutual interest and concern were also discussed in a candid manner. After the delegation-level talks the dignitaries signed Memorandums of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation, the establishment of Joint Committee for Consular Affairs and exchanged MOU on the establishment of the UAE-Pakistan Joint Business Council.
At the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda, Ambassador Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, visited Pakistan from 21-22 April 2025.
The two sides while lauding the upward trajectory of bilateral relations between the two countries, expressed the resolve to further strengthen friendly ties within diverse fields, especially in trade, investment, education, and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides also signed an MoU on cooperation in the field of diplomatic training.
Shafqat Ali Khan said that Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar paid a one day visit to Kabul on April 19, 2025. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising of Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq Khan, Mr. Tariq Bajwa, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Secretary Interior, Secretary Commerce and Trade, Secretary Railways, Additional Secretary MoFA, and representatives from FBR.
During the visit DPM/FM held meetings with the acting Afghan Prime Minister, acting Afghan DPM, and acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi. Both sides held extensive discussions on a range of issues including peace and security, people-to-people contacts and agreed to enhance bilateral trade, and economic cooperation to the mutual benefit of peoples of both the countries.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with his Uzbek counterpart Saidov Bakhtiyor Odilovich. DPM shared his discussions in Kabul regarding the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Line Project and hopped that three countries would soon sign the framework agreement for this important regional connectivity project.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart Sayed Abbas Araghchi. They discussed bilateral relations, reaffirming resolve to deepen cooperation. Regional and global developments of mutual interest were also discussed.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of Oman, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi. They reviewed existing bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction on the upward trajectory of bilateral relations. Regional and international current issues of mutual interest also came under discussion.
Special Secretary, Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan, met with the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Ambassador Andrey Rudenko, for the sixth round of Pakistan-Russia Bilateral Political Consultations on 23 April 2025 in Islamabad. The two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory, and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening ties.
Shafqat Ali Khan said that 11th meeting of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Working Group to Counter International Terrorism was held in Moscow on 22nd April 2025. Pakistan's delegation was led by the Special Secretary (United Nations), Nabeel Munir, while the Russian side was led by Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Vershinin.
The two sides held an in-depth exchange of views on the global and regional terrorism landscape, with particular attention to the evolving threat posed by terrorism in Afghanistan and the region. The discussions focused around the increasingly transnational nature of terrorism and the growing need for adaptive and cooperative strategies. It was decided to hold the next meeting of the Working Group in 2026.
Shafqat Ali Khan said that Pakistan conveyed its heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a revered spiritual figure and a worldwide advocate for peace, interfaith dialogue, and compassion.
His Holiness demonstrated unwavering commitment to fostering unity among world religions, advocating for the oppressed, and promoting the inherent dignity of all humankind. Pakistan deeply values his tireless efforts to enhance mutual respect and understanding among diverse cultures and faiths.
The legacy of His Holiness - marked by profound humility, selfless service, and a unifying vision for humanity - will endure as an inspiration for generations to come. At this moment of profound sorrow, Pakistan stands in solidarity with our Catholic brothers and sisters worldwide and with all those touched by his extraordinary life of service.
Shafqat Ali Khan said that Pakistan will take all appropriate steps to preserve sanctity and smooth implementation of Indus Water Treaty, which is of critical importance for Pakistan's water security and economy.
Shafqat Ali Khan said, in the absence of any relevant legal provision on the treaty, India is in no position to make any unilateral decision to hold it in abeyance. He said the unlawful, unilateral and irresponsible Indian announcement has threatened the very foundations of the entire edifice of the inter-states cooperation and smooth implementation of the treaties.
The Spokesperson said Pakistan is a responsible country and remains committed to fulfill its obligations under the international law and bilateral agreements. However, India should not create a situation where we are constraint to take extreme steps.
Shafqat Ali Khan again made it clear that Pakistan will take all measures to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He reiterated that water in the Indus Water System is a lifeline for the survival of Pakistan's two hundred forty million people and its availability will be safeguarded at all costs besides any attempt to dramatically alter or stop its water will be considered as an act of war.
Replying to a question about exemption of Sikh Yatrees from deadline to leave Pakistan, the Spokesperson said it is our decision to facilitate the Sikhs for their pilgrimage to Pakistan.
Answering yet another question about attitude of Indian media in fanning rhetoric, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said it is lamentable that the Indian media is blaming Pakistan without verifiable evidence or credible investigation into the matter and creating a situation of war psychosis.
He said the finger pointing of Indian media is in line with their habit of always making unfounded claims to substantiate their government position.