April 24, 2025
Amid rising tensions in South Asia, Pakistan has announced the suspension of all trade with India and the closure of its airspace to Indian aircraft. The decision comes in response to India’s recent move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, which Pakistan has called an “act of war.”
The Pakistani government declared that any attempt by India to divert the waters of the Indus River system would be viewed as a serious threat to its national security. Pakistan, which relies heavily on the Indus for irrigation and drinking water, said such a move would not go unanswered.
Alongside the trade ban, Pakistan has restricted access to its airspace, leading to rerouting of several international flights and causing disruption in regional air travel.
Officials in Islamabad stated that these steps were necessary to safeguard national interests, accusing India of escalating the situation in the aftermath of the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan also accused India of using water as a political weapon, a claim strongly refuted by Indian authorities.
The escalation has sparked international concern, with many countries urging both sides to exercise restraint and return to dialogue. Meanwhile, businesses and travelers in both nations are bracing for the economic and logistical impact of the sudden diplomatic fallout.