Tensions between Pakistan and India have sharply escalated in recent days. Islamabad has announced strong retaliatory diplomatic measures against New Delhi. On Thursday, Pakistan suspended all visa services for Indian nationals. It also closed its airspace to Indian-owned or operated airlines. These actions respond to India’s accusations of Pakistan supporting “cross-border terrorism.” The accusations have triggered a sharp decline in bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a rare high-level meeting of the National Security Committee, where officials made the key decisions. After the meeting, the Prime Minister’s Office released a formal statement outlining the country’s firm stance on the matter. The statement declared the Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors stationed in Islamabad as persona non grata and ordered them to leave Pakistan immediately. This diplomatic expulsion marks one of the most severe actions taken by Pakistan in recent years.
In addition to halting all visa services, Pakistan has cancelled visas already issued to Indian nationals. The only exception applies to Sikh pilgrims who travel to religious sites under existing bilateral agreements. The government also announced the closure of all land borders with India and the immediate suspension of bilateral trade. Flights operated by Indian carriers or registered under Indian ownership will no longer be allowed to use Pakistani airspace, effectively cutting off a key route for air travel between the two countries.
These developments highlight the rapidly deteriorating relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Both sides have experienced several diplomatic and military standoffs in recent years, but the latest measures signal a deeper rift. Although no military escalation has occurred yet, diplomatic ties appear to be at one of their lowest points in decades.
Pakistan’s actions underscore its rejection of India’s accusations and reflect growing frustration with the current state of bilateral affairs.
