The rapid escalation marks one of the most severe downturns in India and Pakistan relations in recent months.

Pakistan on Thursday announced sweeping retaliatory measures against India, including the immediate closure of its airspace to all Indian-owned and Indian operated airlines and the suspension of bilateral trade.

It came a day after the Indian government announced a set of restrictions against Pakistan, which was being considered a diplomatic strike by India. 

A statement from the Pakistani government declared:

• Pakistan’s airspace will be closed with immediate effect for all Indian owned or Indian operated airlines.
• All trade with India, including to and from any third country through Pakistan, is suspended forthwith.
• The Wagah border is closed for cross-border transit from India, without exception.
• Islamabad suspends visas under SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme to Indians, barring Sikh pilgrims.
• Pakistan asks military advisers at Indian High Commission to leave by April 30.
• Any threat to Pak's sovereignty, security will be met with firm reciprocal measures in all domains
• Pakistan shall exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India, including but not limited to the Simla Agreement, in abeyance.

Islamabad also rejected New Delhi’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance following the Pahalgam terror attack, calling the treaty a “lifeline for 240 million Pakistanis.” The statement warned that any attempt to “obstruct or redirect” treaty-guaranteed water flows would be regarded as an “act of war.”

These measures come just one day after India closed the Attari border crossing and suspended its own water‑sharing obligations under the treaty. The rapid escalation marks one of the most severe downturns in Indo‑Pak relations in recent months.