subcontinent heats up over Pahelgam attack, Pakistan takes countermeasures

Pakistan is going to take countermeasures in response to several tough decisions taken by India in the wake of the recent armed attack in Kashmir's Pahelgam. For this purpose, an emergency National Security Committee (NSC) meeting is going to be held on Thursday (April 24) at the call of Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif. The meeting will be chaired by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. This information was reported by Geo News.

Last week, 26 tourists were killed and at least 17 others were injured in a gunman's attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahelgam. India took several tough measures, blaming Pakistan for the incident, including suspending the Indus River Water Treaty and banning Pakistani citizens from traveling to India.

A statement from the Pakistan government said that countermeasures will be discussed in the NSC meeting in the wake of India's unilateral decision. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said in an interview to Geo News, “We will give a befitting reply to India’s unilateral decision. The next steps will be taken after the meeting with the Prime Minister.”

He also said, “The Indus Water Treaty is not only an India-Pakistan issue, but also involves the international partner—the World Bank. Therefore, unilaterally suspending this agreement can be internationally obstructed.”

Meanwhile, under the leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Delhi has already taken a tough stance against Islamabad. Steps such as increased surveillance at the border, aggressive tactics under diplomatic pressure, and even a review of bilateral trade relations have been taken.

India-Pakistan relations have been tense for a long time over the Kashmir issue. Analysts believe that this recent incident has further intensified that tension. In the heated situation, the entire world is now watching the next diplomatic and military steps of the two neighboring countries.