Pakistan Suspends Simla Agreement and Closes Border, Airspace, Trade with India

In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic and military tensions, Pakistan has suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement, closed the Wagah border, halted all trade, and banned Indian airlines from using its airspace. This decision follows India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrade diplomatic ties in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead. As relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors continue to spiral, all existing bilateral mechanisms are now effectively frozen.

Key Highlights of Pakistan’s Retaliatory Measures

Suspension of Simla Agreement (1972)

• Pakistan has put the agreement in abeyance, citing India’s alleged involvement in terrorism and violations of international law in Kashmir.
• The Simla Agreement had upheld the sanctity of the Line of Control (LoC).

Closure of Wagah Border Crossing

• The border is closed with immediate effect.
• All cross-border movement through Wagah is suspended.
• Deadline of April 30 set for those with valid travel endorsements to return.

Suspension of All Trade with India

• Bilateral trade has been completely paused.
• Trade via land routes, sea, and air are impacted.

Airspace Closure

• Indian airlines are now banned from using Pakistani airspace.
• This affects major commercial flight routes over Pakistan.

All Bilateral Agreements Suspended

• Apart from Simla Agreement, all other agreements are under review and suspension.
• Cited reasons include alleged cross-border terrorism and transnational killings.

Warning on Indus Waters Treaty

• Pakistan warns that any diversion of water meant for them will be seen as an “Act of War”.
• Comes after India announced its own suspension of the treaty.

India’s Retaliatory Actions (Before Pakistan’s Response)

Downgrading Diplomatic Ties

• India reduced the number of officials in both countries’ high commissions to 30.
• All military attaches declared persona non grata.

Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty

• India halted implementation of the 1960 treaty regulating river waters to Pakistan.

Visa Cancellations

• Pakistani nationals barred from traveling to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES).
• All previously issued visas are cancelled.

Shutting Down Attari Post

• Land-transit point at Attari closed for movement.

Security Vigil and Diplomatic Pressure

• Security agencies on high alert.
• Pledge to bring the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack to justice.