Tensions Rise: Protests Erupt Outside Indian High Commission in Islamabad Following Terror Attack Response

Protests Erupt in Islamabad

In Islamabad, protests erupted outside the Indian High Commission on Wednesday, triggered by India's announcement of significant retaliatory actions following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Demonstrators, comprising members from various political factions and Hurriyat groups, attempted to breach the Indian diplomatic premises, leading to a substantial deployment of security forces. This resulted in clashes between the protesters and law enforcement, with viral footage capturing demonstrators chanting anti-India slogans.

The unrest was a direct consequence of India's extensive diplomatic measures following the deadly attack that claimed the lives of at least 27 individuals, primarily tourists, at the hands of militants linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), a group associated with the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.

During a press conference after a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri outlined a series of actions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the closure of the Attari-Wagah border, and the revocation of SAARC visa exemptions for Pakistani citizens. Additionally, India declared several Pakistani diplomats as persona non grata and reduced the number of diplomatic staff in both nations' embassies.

In retaliation, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as an 'act of war,' vowing to respond with 'full force across the complete spectrum of national power.' Pakistan also halted trade with India, announced plans to freeze all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement, and threatened to close the Wagah Border post.

As tensions escalate, both countries remain on high alert amid the ongoing crisis.