Tensions between India and Pakistan escalate

The Attari border checkpoint between India and Pakistan is temporarily closing. This decision was made by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs following a terrorist attack in South Kashmir. According to the Times of India, the decision took effect immediately.

Pakistani citizens holding valid documents may return to Pakistan through this border crossing until May 1, 2025. Due to tense relations between India and Pakistan, the number of operational border crossings is very limited, and Attari is one of the most significant.

India has imposed the following sanctions:

— The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty has been temporarily suspended. The agreement will not be reinstated until Pakistan fully renounces its support for cross-border terrorism. Until now, the treaty remained in effect despite political and military tensions.

— The visa-free entry arrangement under SAARC for Pakistani citizens has been revoked, and all previously issued SPES visas have been nullified. Pakistani citizens currently in India on SPES visas must leave the country within 48 hours.

— Defence, army, naval, and aviation advisers of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and must leave India within a week.

— India is recalling its defence, naval, and aviation advisers from its High Commission in Islamabad, and these positions will be terminated.

Indian External Affairs Minister Vikram Misri confirmed that these decisions were taken due to the terrorist attack in Kashmir, which killed more than 20 people and injured over 10.

Details of the tragedy in Kashmir

On April 22, a severe terrorist attack occurred in Jammu and Kashmir, northern India. Unknown armed individuals opened fire on a group of tourists hiking in the Boyasaran valley near Pahalgam city. At least 27 people, including two foreign tourists, were killed.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that those responsible would certainly face punishment. The "Kashmir Resistance" group claimed responsibility for the attack. India has accused Pakistan of supporting terrorists.

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev extended condolences and profound sympathy to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.