A recent shift in Indo-Pak relations has been observed as the Government of India has taken a series of strong measures affecting diplomatic, military, and civil agreements with Pakistan. These steps are expected to reshape the bilateral engagement between the two countries and reflect a clear signal of diplomatic distancing. India has decided to place the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 on hold with immediate effect. This historic treaty which governs the sharing of river waters between India and Pakistan has long been a symbol of co-operation even during periods of tension. The suspension of this treaty indicates a serious recalibration of India's approach towards water diplomacy with Pakistan.
Attari Check Post Closed for Pakistani Travelers
Another major decision includes the closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari, which serves as one of the few land routes for people crossing between India and Pakistan. Effective immediately, this route is shut down. However, Pakistani nationals who already hold valid travel permissions through this route are allowed to return via Attari, provided they do so before May 1, 2025.
SAARC Visa Exemption Withdrawn for Pakistani Nationals
India has also taken action against the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES), which previously allowed certain categories of travellers to visit without needing regular visas. Going forward, Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed to use SVES visas to enter India. Any such visas that were already issued to Pakistani citizens are now considered cancelled. Those currently in India under this visa arrangement have 48 hours to leave the country.
In another serious step, India has officially declared the military, marine, and air advisors posted at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as "Persona Non Grata"—a diplomatic term meaning they are no longer welcome. These individuals have one week to leave India. In parallel, India will recall its own defence personnel from its High Commission in Islamabad. These specific military posts at both diplomatic missions will be abolished. Additionally, five staff members who support the defence advisors on both sides will also be withdrawn.
Diplomatic Staff to Be Reduced on Both Sides
Lastly, a broad step to reduce the size of both diplomatic missions has been announced. The total number of staff members at each country's High Commission will be reduced from 55 to 30 people. This downsizing must be completed by May 1, 2025, and reflects a clear intent to limit diplomatic presence and engagement.
These sweeping measures signal a significant downturn in India-Pakistan relations. The suspension of treaties, restrictions on travel, and reduction in diplomatic ties illustrate a toughening stance by India. As the May 1 deadline approaches, both countries will need to navigate the diplomatic fallout and prepare for the consequences of this changed dynamic.
Impact of Indus Waters Treaty Suspension on Pakistan
The Indus Waters Treaty is crucial for Pakistan, as the country depends heavily on the Indus River system for its water needs. This system, which includes the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers, provides about 80% of Pakistan’s total water supply. These rivers are vital for farming, helping to meet nearly one-fourth of the water needed for agriculture.
- Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods at Risk
Agriculture is the backbone of rural Pakistan, supporting around 68% of the rural population. If the water flow from these rivers, then it is reduced due to the treaty’s suspension, it could cause serious harm to food production and rural incomes. This could lead to greater food insecurity and increase economic pressure on already vulnerable communities.
- Limited Water Storage Capacity
Pakistan also faces a major challenge with water storage. Large dams like Mangla and Tarbela can store only about 10% of the country's yearly water needs. This limited capacity means that Pakistan cannot hold enough water to handle shortages, making it even more dependent on a steady river flow ensured by the treaty. Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty could have serious consequences for Pakistan’s water security, agriculture, and economy. Without cooperation and planning, millions of lives and livelihoods could be affected.
In what was meant to be a peaceful escape into the scenic Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, tragedy struck in one of the most horrifying attacks seen in recent times. The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group reportedly backed by the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba, carried out a cold-blooded attack that left 27 people dead. Among the victims were two foreign nationals, and the scene was one of chaos, fear, and unbearable loss.
Targeted Killings: The Method Behind the Madness
According to multiple eyewitnesses, the attackers followed a deliberate and disturbing process before killing their victims. Survivors reported that the gunmen first asked their targets for their names and religion. Once identified, many were shot at point-blank range.
A local tourist guide who managed to help some people escape described the terrifying experience that, “There was a method to the madness,” he said. “They separated the men from the group, asked about their religion, and then executed them. The air was filled with the screams of women and children—it was pure horror.”
Personal Losses: Families Torn Apart
The attack didn't just take lives—it shattered families forever. Two of the victims were businessmen from Pune. Asavari Jagdale, 26, lost her father, Santosh Jagdale, and her uncle, Kaustubh Ganbote, in the attack. In an emotional statement, Asavari shared that the terrorists targeted male tourists, especially after learning about their religion.
“They called my father forward and accused us of supporting Prime Minister Modi,” she recalled. “They said they don’t hurt women or children, almost as if trying to justify what they were about to do.” According to her, Santosh was shot three times—once in the head, once behind the ear, and once in the back—after he couldn’t recite an Islamic verse.
In yet another heart-wrenching incident, Bharat Bhushan, a technology professional from Bengaluru, was shot dead in front of his wife and their three-year-old child. According to his mother-in-law, the terrorists had asked whether the victims were Hindu before opening fire.
This brutal act of violence has left countless families devastated, their lives changed forever. While the attackers may have tried to frame their actions within a twisted ideology, no justification can erase the pain of those who witnessed their loved ones slaughtered in cold blood. As the nation mourns, the cry for justice grows louder. The horror at Baisaran will not be forgotten—it must serve as a reminder of the deep human cost of terrorism.
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