NEW DELHI: India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following escalated cross-border tensions in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
The ceasefire was the result of direct engagement between Indian and Pakistani officials, with Islamabad agreeing to the terms with "no preconditions, no postconditions, and no links to other issues."
This comes after the armed forces carried out precision strikes on terrorists hotspots in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under 'Operation Sindoor'.
Follow live blog: PM Modi chairs high-level meeting a day after India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement
Following India's action, Pakistan launched missiles and drones across LoC and International Borders which were intercepted by Army's air defence systems.
Here are the punitive actions that will remain in effect:
Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty
The Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance, government sources confirmed. “There are no preconditions to the ceasefire agreement reached on Saturday, and the IWT will remain suspended,” sources in the ministry of external affairs said.
Brokered by the World Bank in 1960, the treaty governs the distribution and use of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan.
The treaty has historically benefited Pakistan, which receives about 80% of the total water flow from these rivers—vital for agriculture, particularly in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh.
Integrated check post to remain shut
The Integrated check-post at Attari will also remain shut. The Attari-Wagah border crossing between India and Pakistan was completely closed following a week of heavy cross-border movement.
The check post at Attari in Punjab was closed, and those who crossed over with valid documentation were instructed to return through that route before May 1.
Trade ban
The prohibition on all imports from Pakistan, whether direct or routed through intermediary nations, will also continue.
Additionally, Pakistan-registered vessels are barred from entering Indian ports, and Indian ships are prohibited from accessing Pakistani harbors—reflecting a tougher diplomatic stance.
A newly incorporated provision under “Prohibition on Import from Pakistan” in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) says, “Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders.”
Read more: India-Pakistan agreement: Pause disappoints hardliners, others say it's a win for India
Closure of airspace
India will continue to enforce the closure of its airspace to flights originating from or traveling through Pakistan, a measure that came into effect on April 30.
This move will force foreign carriers that typically overfly Pakistani airspace after exiting Indian airspace to take longer, alternate routes.
Ban on Pakistani actors and artists
In the interest of national security, India will maintain its ban on Pakistani actors and artists performing within the country.
In addition, all OTT platforms, media streaming services, and intermediaries operating in India are required to discontinue web series, films, songs, podcasts, and other digital content of Pakistani origin—whether available via subscription or otherwise.
Visa services for Pakistani citizens
India will continue the suspension of all types of visas for Pakistani nationals.
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the government had suspended all categories of visas for Pakistani citizens and instructed those already in India to leave by April 27. However, medical visas were given an extension until April 29, after which they were also revoked.
“In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated.
The ministry also advised Indian nationals currently in Pakistan to return at the earliest.
The ceasefire was the result of direct engagement between Indian and Pakistani officials, with Islamabad agreeing to the terms with "no preconditions, no postconditions, and no links to other issues."
This comes after the armed forces carried out precision strikes on terrorists hotspots in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under 'Operation Sindoor'.
Follow live blog: PM Modi chairs high-level meeting a day after India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement
Following India's action, Pakistan launched missiles and drones across LoC and International Borders which were intercepted by Army's air defence systems.
Here are the punitive actions that will remain in effect:
Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty
The Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance, government sources confirmed. “There are no preconditions to the ceasefire agreement reached on Saturday, and the IWT will remain suspended,” sources in the ministry of external affairs said.
Brokered by the World Bank in 1960, the treaty governs the distribution and use of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan.
The treaty has historically benefited Pakistan, which receives about 80% of the total water flow from these rivers—vital for agriculture, particularly in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh.
Integrated check post to remain shut
The Integrated check-post at Attari will also remain shut. The Attari-Wagah border crossing between India and Pakistan was completely closed following a week of heavy cross-border movement.
The check post at Attari in Punjab was closed, and those who crossed over with valid documentation were instructed to return through that route before May 1.
Trade ban
The prohibition on all imports from Pakistan, whether direct or routed through intermediary nations, will also continue.
Additionally, Pakistan-registered vessels are barred from entering Indian ports, and Indian ships are prohibited from accessing Pakistani harbors—reflecting a tougher diplomatic stance.
A newly incorporated provision under “Prohibition on Import from Pakistan” in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) says, “Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders.”
Read more: India-Pakistan agreement: Pause disappoints hardliners, others say it's a win for India
Closure of airspace
India will continue to enforce the closure of its airspace to flights originating from or traveling through Pakistan, a measure that came into effect on April 30.
This move will force foreign carriers that typically overfly Pakistani airspace after exiting Indian airspace to take longer, alternate routes.
Ban on Pakistani actors and artists
In the interest of national security, India will maintain its ban on Pakistani actors and artists performing within the country.
In addition, all OTT platforms, media streaming services, and intermediaries operating in India are required to discontinue web series, films, songs, podcasts, and other digital content of Pakistani origin—whether available via subscription or otherwise.
Visa services for Pakistani citizens
India will continue the suspension of all types of visas for Pakistani nationals.
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the government had suspended all categories of visas for Pakistani citizens and instructed those already in India to leave by April 27. However, medical visas were given an extension until April 29, after which they were also revoked.
“In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated.
The ministry also advised Indian nationals currently in Pakistan to return at the earliest.
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