Pakistani citizen instructed to leave India within 48 hours

After a terrorist attack in India-administered Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 people, including one Nepali citizen, India has instructed Pakistani nationals to leave the country. Additionally, it has decided to terminate the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.

A cabinet meeting held on Wednesday evening made five key decisions. The Indian government has also decided to call an all-party meeting on Thursday.

Here are the five major decisions made by the Indian government:

1. Suspension of the Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan.

2. Closure of the Attari border checkpoint and an instruction for Pakistani nationals in India to return home within 48 hours.

3. Cancellation of SAARC visas issued to Pakistani nationals.

4. Pakistani Defense Advisors stationed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi have been given one week to leave India.

5. The number of staff at the High Commission will be reduced from 55 to 30.

   India has taken these steps, claiming that Pakistan-backed terrorists were behind the attack. However, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has denied any Pakistani involvement in the Pahalgam attack.

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   What is the Indus Waters Treaty?

   The Indus Waters Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan on September 19, 1960, under the mediation of the World Bank. It is a historic agreement regarding the distribution of water from the Indus river system, which includes the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers. Signed during the tenure of Jawaharlal Nehru, the treaty is considered one of the most successful bilateral water management agreements in the world.

   According to the treaty, Pakistan uses about 80% of the water. If the treaty becomes inactive, India may stop water supply, construct dams, or divert water elsewhere—actions that could severely affect Pakistan’s agriculture, drinking water supply, and industries.

   Therefore, the decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty is being regarded as highly significant. It could deeply impact the balance of power, water policy, and security strategies between the two nations.

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   Ongoing Investigation, Shutdown in Jammu and Kashmir

   The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a tourist area, resulted in the death of 26 people, including Sudip Neupane from Butwal, Nepal. More than 20 others were injured.

   According to Indian intelligence agencies, the attack was carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy wing of Lashkar-e-Taiba. India has released sketches of three suspected terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack, identified as Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha.

   A team from India’s National Investigation Agency has arrived in Pahalgam to conduct the investigation. Dozens of people have been taken into custody for questioning. As a result of the incident, a shutdown has been declared in Jammu and Kashmir today.

   Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the attack and warned that terrorists will not be spared. The Government of Nepal has also expressed solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism.