Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has begun at high level consultations in response to India’s announcement to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrade diplomatic ties, diplomatic sources confirmed on Wednesday, according to media reports.
The Foreign Office is considering a mutual reaction to what it expresses India’s “diplomatic aggression.” Final decisions will be announced according to directives from Pakistan’s top civilian and military leadership, with the National Security Committee expected to receive a detailed orientation on its next session, local media reported.
The Foreign Office is reportedly considering the deportation of Indian Defense, Air and Fleet Entries together with support staff. Discussions are also underway about sending the Indian High Commission staff stationed in Islamabad.
The development comes after a deadly attack on tourists in the Pahagam region of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
In response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was chairman of a cabinet meeting that resulted in the suspension of the decades old Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and a decision to block Visa issued under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) framework.
During a press conference, India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced the cancellation of all existing visas for Pakistani citizens and issued an order for all Pakistanis currently in India to leave within 48 hours.
