Pakistan Shuts Airspace to Indian Flights, Issues Warning Over Water Treaty Breach
India claims Kashmir attack is linked to cross-border elements
Pakistan Closes Airspace to Indian Airlines, Rejects Water Treaty Suspension
Pakistan on Thursday closed its airspace to Indian airlines and rejected New Delhi’s suspension of a longstanding water-sharing treaty, responding to India's actions following a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The move was announced by the Prime Minister’s Office after a meeting of Pakistan’s National Security Committee, a day after India alleged cross-border involvement in Tuesday’s attack, which left 26 people dead at a popular tourist spot.
Indian police named three suspects—two of whom they claimed were Pakistani nationals—but offered no concrete evidence to support the claims. In response to the attack, India downgraded diplomatic ties, suspended the 60-year-old Indus Waters Treaty, and closed the only land crossing between the two countries.
Both India and Pakistan claim the entire region of Kashmir, which is split between their control.
“Any threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty and to the security of its people will be met with firm, reciprocal measures in all domains,” the Pakistani government stated. It further warned that any attempt to block or divert Pakistan’s share of Indus waters would be considered an act of war.
