synopsis
Pakistan warns India that blocking Indus River water supply would be considered an "act of war" and responded to with full force, citing the Indus Waters Treaty.
Islamabad, Pakistan: Pakistan's government said on Thursday it would consider any attempt by India to stop the supply of water from the Indus River an "act of war".
"Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty... will be considered as an act of war and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of national power," a statement from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office said after a rare national security committee meeting.
Pakistan's tit-for-tat measures
Pakistan's government hit back on Thursday with a string of tit-for-tat measures against its neighbour India, who accused Islamabad of supporting "cross-border terrorism" following a brutal attack on Indian tourists.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a rare meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) with top military officials, including powerful Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, in the capital Islamabad in response to India's measures.
"Any threat to Pakistan's sovereignty and to the security of its people will be met with firm reciprocal measures in all domains," a statement released by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office said after the NSC meeting.
The slew of measures announced by the Pakistan government in response on Thursday included expelling Indian diplomats and cancelling visas for Indian nationals with the exception of Sikh pilgrims.
Pakistan also warned that it would consider any attempt by India to stop the supply of water from the Indus River an "act of war and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of national power".
Islamabad said Indian military advisers were "persona non grata".
"They are directed to leave Pakistan immediately," the statement said.
Pakistan's airspace was also closed with immediate effect "for all Indian owned or Indian operated airlines", while the main Wagah border crossing in Punjab was also closed.
"All cross-border transit from India through this route shall be suspended, without exception," the statement said.
"All trade with India including to and from any third country through Pakistan is suspended forthwith."