Pakistan suspended Shimla agreement, trade and airspace exemption ended

#News Bureau April 25,2025

In a significant development, Pakistan has announced a series of measures in response to India, the most notable being the cancellation of the Shimla Agreement. The decision was made during a high-level meeting convened by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday. The meeting focused on formulating Pakistan’s official response to recent actions by India.

Pakistan Suspends Shimla Agreement and Bilateral Ties in Response to India’s Actions

Islamabad, April 24 — In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Pakistan on Thursday announced the suspension of all bilateral agreements with India, including the historic Shimla Agreement, in response to what it described as “aggressive and provocative” steps taken by New Delhi following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam.

In addition to suspending trade and diplomatic engagements, Pakistan has also closed its airspace to Indian aircraft. The National Security Committee (NSC) convened in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, where top civilian and military leaders, including the Defense, Foreign and Interior Ministers, National Security Advisor, and the chiefs of the armed forces, discussed the national security implications of recent developments.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the meeting focused on the regional security landscape in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, which left 26 people dead and 17 injured. The statement strongly condemned the killing of civilians and labeled India’s retaliatory measures — announced on April 23 — as “unilateral, unjustified, politically motivated, and highly irresponsible.”

India’s Measures and Pakistan’s Response

India had earlier suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, ordered all Pakistani citizens to leave the country within 48 hours, and shut down the Attari border crossing. Furthermore, India summoned Pakistan’s top diplomat, declared its military attachés “persona non grata,” and instructed them to leave by April 30. India also announced a reduction in the Pakistani Embassy’s diplomatic staff.

Mirroring India’s actions, Pakistan revoked all visas issued to Indian nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES), with immediate effect. However, an exception was made for Sikh religious pilgrims. Indian nationals currently in Pakistan under the SVES have been ordered to depart within 48 hours. Additionally, Indian defence, naval, and air attachés stationed in Islamabad have been declared unwelcome and directed to exit immediately.

PMO Statement: Kashmir and Future Stance

The PMO emphasized that Pakistan would exercise its right to suspend all bilateral agreements with India until New Delhi “desists from promoting terrorism inside Pakistan, carrying out extrajudicial killings, and flouting international law and UN resolutions regarding Kashmir.”

Background: The Shimla Agreement

Signed on July 2, 1972, between Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the Shimla Agreement followed the 1971 war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. The agreement was designed to ensure lasting peace in South Asia and included several key provisions:

• Bilateral Resolution of Disputes: Both nations agreed to resolve all conflicts, especially the Kashmir issue, through peaceful bilateral dialogue — effectively rejecting third-party mediation.
• Respect for the LoC: The ceasefire line of December 17, 1971, was recognized as the Line of Control (LoC), which neither party would seek to alter unilaterally.
• Promotion of Peace: The agreement committed both countries to non-aggression and the fostering of peaceful relations.
• POW and Territorial Return: India agreed to return 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war and the majority of captured territories.
• Recognition of Bangladesh: The accord set the stage for Pakistan’s formal recognition of Bangladesh.

Potential Consequences for India

While the immediate practical impact of the Shimla Agreement’s suspension may be limited, experts warn of substantial long-term implications:

• Internationalization of the Kashmir Issue: With the bilateral framework effectively dismantled, Pakistan may now push the Kashmir issue at the United Nations and other global platforms — challenging India’s long-standing position that Kashmir is a purely internal matter.
• Diplomatic Isolation Risks: The development could complicate India’s diplomatic efforts, especially in maintaining its narrative on Kashmir and regional stability.