Pahalgam Terror Attack: India’s Five-Point Action Against Pakistan Explained

Pahalgam Terror Attack:  Three terrorists from the Resistance Front of Lashkar-e-Taiba gunned down 28 people in Kashmir’s Phalgam, 26 tourists, one local, and one foreigner. In the aftermath of the deadly attack, the Indian government has taken five punitive actions against Pakistan. Each move aims to target the infrastructure, diplomatic ties, and movements across the borders of the two states. 

India’s Five-Point Action Against Pakistan

The terror attack in Pahalgam has stirred the nation, with the authorities and diplomatic bodies taking stringent action against the neighbouring nation. 

India’s highest decision-making body, the Cabinet Committee on Security, had implemented a 5-point action plan, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, the shutdown of the Attari-Wagah Border, and more, as they found out cross-border links in the recent attack.

The strict actions will be an answer to the Pakistani regime and target the infrastructure, diplomacy, and cross-border movements between India and Pakistan. 

1. Indus Water Treaty Suspended 

In a first, the Indian government suspended the Indus Water Treaty of the 1960s with immediate effect until Pakistan removed its support for cross-border terrorism. The treaty ensured equitable sharing of water and its tributaries to meet the water needs of both nations. 

2. Attar-Wagah Border Shut

A major tourist attraction in Punjab, and a symbol of ties between the two nations, Attari-Wagah check post has been shut down with immediate effect, suspending movements of people and goods across the border. People who have already crossed the border with valid documents will be able to return before 1 May 2025.

3. SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) Cancelled

Bringing a halt to the diplomatic exchanges between the two countries, India has cancelled the AARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. Implying that people with Pakistani nationality will no longer be allowed to travel to India under the SVES visas. The ones issued in the past have been canceled. People with SVES visas have 28 hours to leave India. 

4. Pakistan Military Advisors Expelled  

Pakistani Military Advisors, including Naval, Air, or Defence advisors in the Pakistani High Commission, New Delhi, have been declared Persona Non Grata with a time period of a week to leave India. Indian military advisers will be withdrawn from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. 

5. High Commission Strength Reduced 

Finally, India has announced to reduce the overall strength of the high commission to 30 from the present 55, to be affected by 1 May 2025.