LAHORE: Pakistan’s government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, convened a National Security Committee (NSC) meeting on Thursday, attended by senior civilian and military leadership, including Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir. The high-level gathering was called in response to India’s recent moves, which included suspending a water-sharing treaty and downgrading diplomatic ties.

In an official statement released after the NSC meeting, Pakistan declared the Indian Defence, Naval and Air Advisors stationed in Islamabad as persona non grata, ordering them to leave the country immediately. It also announced the cancellation of all visas issued to Indian nationals, with the exception of those granted to Sikh pilgrims visiting religious sites.

Further tightening bilateral links, Pakistan declared the closure of its airspace to all Indian-owned or Indian-operated airlines. The Wagah border crossing in Punjab—one of the primary land routes between the two nations—has also been sealed off for all forms of cross-border transit from India, the statement added.

Tensions escalated after gunmen killed 26 Indian men in Kashmir earlier this week, prompting a strong reaction from New Delhi, which accused Islamabad of supporting cross-border militancy—an allegation Pakistan has consistently denied.

India responded by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, withdrawing visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the main land crossing, and downgrading diplomatic ties.

The latest developments mark a significant downturn in bilateral relations. However, diplomatic voices in both nations continue to urge restraint and peaceful dialogue to avoid further escalation.