Following the April 23 Pahalgam terror attack, India announced strict retaliatory actions:
1. Visa Cancellations & Expulsions
- All Pakistani visas revoked (effective April 29).
- Pakistani nationals must leave India before visa expiry.
- Diplomatic staff reduced from 55 to 30 (from May 1).
2. Border & Travel Restrictions
- Only land crossing (Wagah-Attari) closed.
- Indians advised not to travel to Pakistan.
3. Suspension of Indus Water Treaty
- First time since 1960 this treaty is halted.
- Pakistan warns: Water diversion = “Act of War.”
Pakistan’s Tit-for-Tat Response
1. Airspace Ban for Indian Flights
- All Indian-operated airlines barred.
- Possible disruptions to Europe/Middle East routes.
2. Trade Suspension
- All India-Pakistan trade halted, including third-country transit.
3. Military Warnings
- FM Ishaq Dar: “Any Indian military action will get a tit-for-tat response.”
- Protests in Islamabad outside Indian High Commission.
Why This Escalation?
1. Pahalgam Attack Fallout
- 26 tourists killed in Kashmir’s scenic Baisaran.
- India blames Pakistan (claims “cross-border links”).
- Pakistan denies role, calls accusations “baseless.”
2. Domestic Pressures
- Modi under pressure to act before elections.
- Pakistani PM Sharif faces backlash if seen as weak.
3. Kashmir Dispute Reignited
- Both claim full Kashmir, blame each other for unrest.
- Militants vs. Freedom Fighters?
- India: “Pakistan-backed terrorism.”
- Pakistan: “Indigenous Kashmiri resistance.“
What’s Next? Risk of War?
Possible Scenarios:
De-escalation: Backchannel talks (like 2019 post-Balakot).
Military Skirmishes: Limited strikes (like 2016 Uri response).
Full Conflict: If water treaty violated (Pakistan’s red line).
Global Concerns:
- US, UK monitoring closely.
- UN urges restraint.
Conclusion: Will Diplomacy Prevail?
The India-Pakistan crisis is at its worst since 2019 Balakot strikes. While economic & travel sanctions are already biting, the real danger lies in:
- Water war risks (Indus Treaty collapse).
- Military miscalculations (border clashes).
For now, travelers, traders, and diplomats face immediate disruptions. The world watches to see if cooler heads will prevail.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is based on available reports and official statements as of April 2025. The situation between India and Pakistan remains fluid, and developments may change rapidly. Readers are advised to verify updates from official government sources or trusted news outlets before making travel or business decisions.
This article does not endorse any political stance and is intended for informational purposes only. The author and publisher are not liable for any actions taken based on this content.