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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.

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Asish Banerjee found dead in Rampurhat, Mamata Banerjee aide’s death shocks TMC

Former West Bengal deputy speaker and five-time Rampurhat MLA Asish Banerjee was found dead at a Trinamool Congress office in Birbhum.

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Mamata Banerjee

Former West Bengal Assembly deputy speaker and Trinamool Congress leader Asish Banerjee was found dead at a party office next to his residence in Rampurhat, Birbhum district, on Sunday morning.

Police said his body was found hanging and was sent for postmortem. A large crowd gathered outside the Trinamool Congress office after news of his death spread.

Who was Asish Banerjee?

Asish Banerjee had served as the deputy speaker of the West Bengal Assembly when Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee was the state’s chief minister. He was also a five-time MLA from Rampurhat.

He had served as Bengal’s education and agriculture minister after Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress first came to power in the state.

Banerjee contested the West Bengal Assembly election earlier this year but lost the Rampurhat seat to BJP’s Dhruba Saha.

Asish Banerjee’s recent party role

Banerjee stepped down as chairman of the Trinamool Congress’s Birbhum district core committee in June. At the time, he said he would continue as a general member of the party.

He lived in the Hattalapara neighbourhood of Rampurhat, with the party office where his body was found located next to his house.

BJP gains in Birbhum

The BJP won six of the 11 Assembly constituencies in Birbhum in the latest state election. This marked a significant change from 2021, when the Trinamool Congress had won 10 seats in the district while the BJP had secured one.

Police have sent Asish Banerjee’s body for postmortem as the circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated.

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IPS Officer Nupur Prasad gets Medal for Meritorious Service after Sushant Singh Rajput probe

IPS officer Nupur Prasad, who led the CBI investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, has been selected for the Medal for Meritorious Service this year.

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IPS officer Nupur Prasad, who led the CBI investigation into actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, has been recognised with the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) this year.

A 2007-batch AGMUT cadre officer, Ms Prasad recently returned to the Delhi Police after completing her tenure with the CBI. She is currently serving as Joint Commissioner of Police in the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), where she oversees investigations involving financial and economic crimes.

The award is part of this year’s recognition for police personnel for distinguished and meritorious service. Such honours recognise contributions in areas including investigation, crime prevention, public service, law and order and administration.

Nupur Prasad’s role in Sushant Singh Rajput case

Ms Prasad came into national focus during the CBI investigation into the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, who was found dead at his Mumbai residence on June 14, 2020.

The case was transferred to the CBI in August 2020 following a complaint by the actor’s family and a legal dispute over jurisdiction.

During her tenure with the agency, Ms Prasad supervised key aspects of the investigation, including the examination of witness statements, forensic evidence and medical records.

In 2025, the CBI filed closure reports, saying its investigation found no evidence of foul play, abetment to suicide or criminal conspiracy in the actor’s death.

Career across Delhi Police, CBI

Ms Prasad has served in several positions during her career, including assignments in the Delhi Police, CBI, Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal.

Before joining the CBI, she held senior positions in the Delhi Police and became the first Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Shahdara. During her tenure, she worked on establishing the district’s policing framework following its creation.

She also led operations targeting drug networks and illegal gambling activities while focusing on crime-prevention measures.

Later, as DCP of North Delhi, she oversaw security arrangements for major events, including Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort and Delhi University elections.

Community-focused policing initiatives

Beyond investigations, Ms Prasad has been associated with community-focused programmes involving women’s self-defence, youth development, cyber safety and drug de-addiction.

During her CBI tenure, she was also associated with several prominent investigations. Media reports have linked her to cases concerning businessman Vijay Mallya and the AgustaWestland helicopter deal.

Current role in Delhi Police

After completing her assignment with the CBI, Ms Prasad returned to the Delhi Police and took charge as Joint Commissioner of Police in the Economic Offences Wing.

The latest recognition adds to her career spanning investigations, policing and public service across several challenging assignments.

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Kharge, Rahul Gandhi skip Independence Day event for 2nd straight year

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort for the second consecutive year.

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Rahul Kharge

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort for the second consecutive year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the Independence Day celebrations at the historic venue on Saturday.

The absence of the two senior Congress leaders comes amid strained relations between the ruling party and the Opposition, which further deteriorated during the Monsoon Session of Parliament that concluded on Thursday.

2024 seating controversy

Rahul Gandhi had attended the Independence Day celebrations in 2024 but his seating arrangement triggered a controversy. The Congress leader, who holds the status of a Cabinet minister as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, was seated in the second-last row during the ceremony at the Red Fort.

The Opposition had criticised the seating arrangement, calling it an insult to the people. The Defence Ministry, which organised the event, said the arrangement had been modified to accommodate Olympians at the venue.

According to protocol, the Leader of the Opposition is seated in the front row during ceremonial events.

Opposition-ruling party tensions

Relations between the government and the Opposition remained tense during the Monsoon Session, which ended on Thursday.

The session saw repeated clashes between the two sides, with both the Opposition and the ruling party blaming each other for the low productivity of Parliament.

The session began on July 20, with students marching towards Parliament on the first day. Twelve bills were passed during the session, while detailed discussion took place on only one legislation, concerning paper leaks.

The Congress, along with the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party, also boycotted the customary tea party hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the House was adjourned sine die.

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