Pakistan ends ties with India after national security meeting

In one of the most critical moments in Asian diplomacy in recent years, Pakistan announced the complete severing of its relations with India, abruptly ending any political, economic and military channels between the two countries.

The decision was taken after an extraordinary national security meeting held this Friday in Islamabad, chaired by the Pakistani Prime Minister and attended by senior military commanders and intelligence representatives.

The measures adopted include:

Immediate closure of the land border with India;

Total suspension of bilateral trade, including through third countries;

Blocking of Pakistani airspace to Indian aircraft;

Cancellation of all visas granted to Indian citizens, with a 48-hour deadline to leave the country, except for authorized Sikh pilgrims on humanitarian grounds;

Expulsion of Indian military and diplomatic officials from Pakistani territory.

Although the Pakistani government has not given details of the direct reason behind the escalation, unofficial sources indicate that recent actions by the Indian government in Kashmir and reports of cross-border operations have contributed to the deterioration of relations.

The international community is watching the developments with concern. Organizations such as the UN and countries such as China, the United States and Saudi Arabia have already called for "immediate restraint" and openness to dialogue.

The tension between New Delhi and Islamabad increases fears of instability in the South Asian region, historically marked by territorial disputes and intermittent military confrontations, especially in the Kashmir region.

Foto: DAR YASIN/