Pahalgam Terror Attack: Jal Shakti Ministry deliberations lined up today after India suspends Indus Treaty; high-level meeting in Pak

Pahalgam terror Attack: The Jal Shakti Ministry is scheduled to meet today, Thursday, to discuss operational steps for implementing the suspension of the Indus treaty. A follow-up meeting to review CCS decisions is expected tomorrow, April 25. On Wednesday, the central government downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam attack, where 26 people were killed after terrorists opened fire on tourists enjoying time at the popular tourist spot on Tuesday, April 22.

 Measures announced include:

- Suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, with water supply from the Indus and its tributaries—Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—put on hold.
- Expulsion of Pakistani military attaches and a formal declaration of them as persona non grata. They have been asked to leave India within seven days.
- Closure of the Integrated Check Post at the Wagah-Attari border with immediate effect.
- Withdrawal of Indian military advisors, including defence, navy, and air advisors, from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
- Reduction of diplomatic staff strength in both high commissions to 30, down from 55.
- Cancellation of all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas for Pakistani nationals. Those currently in India under SVES visas have 48 hours to leave the country.

The decisions were taken during a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were present at the meeting.

Pakistan’s NSC to formulate response

On the other hand, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) is set to convene a high-level meeting on Thursday to review India’s strong diplomatic and strategic response following the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. At least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed when gunmen opened fire at the popular hill station on Tuesday, April 22.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called the NSC meeting to discuss what Islamabad has described as India’s “irresponsible actions” in the aftermath of what it terms a “false flag operation.” The meeting comes in response to New Delhi’s decision to downgrade diplomatic ties, suspend the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, and close the Attari land-transit post.
 Reacting sharply, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has summoned the country’s National Security Committee for a high-powered discussion on Thursday. The meeting is expected to deliberate over what Islamabad calls India’s “irresponsible actions” and formulate a response strategy.

Centre calls all-party meet to brief opposition

In a bid to present a united national front, the Centre has convened an all-party meeting on Thursday evening. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the meeting, which will be attended by Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The leaders will brief opposition parties on the Pahalgam terror attack and the government's subsequent measures.