India suspends Pakistan government’s X account after Pahalgam terror attack

After India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan on Wednesday following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 28 lives, it has now withheld the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Government of Pakistan.

The attack, which took place on Tuesday in Pahalgam’s Baisaran has left the entire nation in shock. As a retaliatory measure against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, India first suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. Now, the official X account of the Government of Pakistan has also been suspended.

Also read: Three Gujaratis, including father-son duo, among 26 killed in Pahalgam terror attack; Kashmir bandh today

Additionally, the Attari Integrated Checkpost has been closed. However, individuals who entered India with valid documents may return via that route before May 1, 2025.

Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed entry under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, and any visas already issued under this scheme have now been cancelled. Those currently in India under this scheme have 48 hours to leave the country.

Furthermore, India is withdrawing its Defence, Navy, and Air Force advisors from its High Commission in Islamabad and has declared their Pakistani counterparts in New Delhi as persona non grata, giving them one week to depart.

Additionally, both countries will reduce their respective High Commission staff strength from 55 to 30 by May 1, as part of a reciprocal measure to scale down diplomatic presence and limit bilateral interaction.

The CCS has also directed Indian armed forces and security agencies to remain on the highest level of alert in view of the continuing threat. Officials said the hunt for the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack has intensified, with a fresh National Investigation Agency (NIA) team on the ground.

Reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, India reiterated its commitment to hold not just the perpetrators but also their sponsors accountable. Citing recent extraditions like that of Tahawwur Rana, officials said the country would continue its global diplomatic efforts to bring all individuals involved in anti-India terror activities to justice.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)