Abdul Basit, Pakistan’s former high commissioner to India (2014-2017) and ambassador to Germany (2012-2014), has raised alarm over the increasing tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam attack. Basit warned that India might retaliate with military action within days, citing precedent from the 2016 Uri and 2019 Pulwama incidents.
Speaking with the private news channel, Basit stated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address in Bihar hints at the possibility of cross-border strikes or other measures aimed at Pakistan.
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“There are indications that something could happen across the Line of Control within a week or two,” Basit stated.
Basit also shared concerns about a potential spike in terrorist activities within Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, urging the government to prepare for destabilizing events. Discussing India’s recent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, Basit dismissed it as largely symbolic, citing India’s current infrastructural limitations to implement such a move.
“The treaty binds all parties and prevents unilateral termination, amendment, or suspension. At this stage, India cannot stop the flow of water,” he explained. Basit recommended Pakistan engage the World Bank, the treaty’s guarantor, and mount a strong diplomatic and legal response to India’s actions.
He also criticized India for failing to honor its international obligations, challenging its global image as the “world’s largest democracy.”
Meanwhile, retaliatory measures from Pakistan have already begun, with Islamabad announcing the suspension of trade and the closure of its airspace and borders to India. The National Security Committee (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, condemned India’s actions as unilateral, reckless, and in violation of international conventions, including UN Security Council Resolutions.
The NSC’s comprehensive response included holding all bilateral agreements with India, such as the Simla Agreement, in abeyance. The committee underscored India’s disregard for global law and accused it of fomenting terrorism within Pakistan.
Adding to the tensions, troops from both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) exchanged fire overnight. While there were no civilian casualties, the incident further underscored the escalating crisis. The United States, through State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, emphasized its close monitoring of the situation and refrained from taking a position on Kashmir’s status.
The regional crisis has intensified as both nations escalate their responses, leaving little room for diplomatic resolutions amid rising hostilities.
