BY: Mehwish Qamas Khan
ISLAMABAD: Diplomatic sources revealed on Thursday that Pakistan’s Foreign Office has initiated urgent consultations to craft a “strong response” to India’s recent diplomatic and legal escalations, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and expulsions of Pakistani officials.
The discussions, led by senior officials, focus on mirroring India’s actions by downgrading diplomatic ties, including declaring India’s defense, air, and naval attachés *persona non grata* and repatriating them alongside supporting staff. Proposals to reduce the Indian High Commission’s staff in Islamabad and formally lower bilateral relations to a “minimal level” are also under review.
Sources emphasized that India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty—a pact never breached even during wars—violates its multilateral clauses. “The treaty explicitly bars unilateral suspension,” one source stated, adding that Pakistan will challenge the move through legal and diplomatic channels.
The Foreign Office is expected to summon India’s Charge d’Affaires to formally lodge protests, with final decisions pending approval from top leadership. Officials underscored that Pakistan’s response would be delivered “in the same language” as India’s actions, signaling a hardening stance in the crisis.
Also read: Pakistan summons National Security Committee amid India’s aggressive Moves
