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Pakistan calls India’s move on Indus Waters Treaty as an act of war

The committee concluded by asserting that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to defend the nation’s territorial integrity against any misadventure, urging the international community to take note of India’s provocative actions.

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In a sharp escalation of tensions following India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office issued a stern warning on Thursday, April 24, 2025, declaring that any attempt to disrupt water flows to Pakistan would be considered an “act of war.”

The statement came after a high-level meeting of Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which outlined a series of retaliatory measures, including the closure of its airspace to Indian airlines and a complete halt to all trade activities with India.

The NSC, attended by senior civilian and military leaders, addressed the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. While unequivocally condemning the violence, Pakistan rejected India’s attempts to attribute the attack to it, dismissing such claims as “frivolous” and lacking credible evidence.

The committee reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position that Kashmir remains an unresolved dispute, emphasizing the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination as recognized by UN resolutions.

It accused India of perpetuating violence through state oppression, demographic changes, and the marginalization of minorities, particularly Muslims, citing recent legislative moves like the Waqf Bill as evidence of systemic persecution.

Pakistan’s strongest rebuke was reserved for India’s announcement to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. The 1960 treaty, brokered by the World Bank, has been a cornerstone of water-sharing between the two nations, surviving three wars. The NSC underscored that the agreement contains no provision for unilateral suspension and described water as a “vital national interest” for Pakistan’s 240 million people.

“Any attempt to stop or divert Pakistan’s rightful share of water under the treaty, or to usurp the rights of a lower riparian state, will be treated as an act of war and met with a comprehensive response across all domains of national power,” the statement read.

In response to India’s measures, Pakistan announced a sweeping suspension of all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Pact, accusing India of violating international norms and fostering terrorism. The Wagah border post was ordered closed immediately, with cross-border transit halted, though those with valid endorsements may return by April 30, 2025.

Pakistan also revoked all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas for Indian nationals, except for Sikh pilgrims, and instructed Indians in Pakistan to leave within 48 hours. Indian defence, naval, and air advisors in Islamabad were declared persona non grata and given until April 30 to depart, with their posts deemed annulled. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad will see its staff reduced from 55 to 30 by the same date.

Further, Pakistan closed its airspace to all Indian-owned or -operated airlines and suspended all trade with India, including third-country trade routed through Pakistan. The NSC accused India of exploiting the Pahalgam attack to advance a narrow political agenda, pointing to the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, a serving Indian Navy officer in Pakistan’s custody, as evidence of India’s alleged state-sponsored terrorism. It also criticized India’s “irresponsible warmongering” through state-controlled media, warning that such rhetoric fuels regional instability.

The committee expressed deep sorrow for the loss of lives in Pahalgam but labeled India’s retaliatory measures—announced on April 23—as unilateral, unjust, and politically driven. It argued that India’s narrative of victimhood obscures its own role in regional violence, including alleged extraterritorial assassinations exposed by Pakistan and other nations. Pakistan vowed to pursue justice for those responsible for terrorism and to respond firmly to any threats to its sovereignty.

Reaffirming its commitment to counter-terrorism, the NSC highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices as a frontline state against terrorism, having endured significant human and economic losses. It called on India to abandon its “reflexive blame game” and take responsibility for its security failures in Jammu and Kashmir. The committee concluded by asserting that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to defend the nation’s territorial integrity against any misadventure, urging the international community to take note of India’s provocative actions.

As the region braces for heightened tensions, Pakistan’s measures signal a deepening rift with India, with both nations adopting hardline stances in the aftermath of the Pahalgam tragedy.

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

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Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

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Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

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