Pakistan National Security Committee takes firm stance after India escalation over Pahalgam incident

The National Security Committee (NSC) of Pakistan held an emergency meeting on April 24, 2025, in response to what it described as India’s provocative actions following the Pahalgam incident, which occurred on April 22, 2025. The committee reviewed the overall security environment and regional situation in detail and strongly rejected India’s measures taken a day earlier on April 23, terming them one-sided, unjustified and lacking legal basis.

The NSC reiterated Pakistan’s principled and consistent support for the right to self-determination of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). It stated that the public reaction in the region was a consequence of alleged Indian oppression and human rights violations, adding that India must take responsibility for its failure to provide security to its own citizens.

The committee reaffirmed that Pakistan condemns all forms of terrorism without discrimination. It also dismissed attempts to link the Pahalgam incident to Pakistan without credible investigation or verifiable evidence, calling such claims baseless and illogical. The statement further alleged that India has repeatedly attempted to project itself as a victim while ignoring evidence of terrorism supported from within its own structures.

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The NSC emphasised that any threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty and the safety of its people would be met with a firm and effective response across all domains. It urged India to refrain from using incidents like Pahalgam for political purposes or propaganda, and criticised sections of the Indian media for escalating tensions in the region.

The committee also rejected what it termed India’s water aggression, stating that water is a vital national interest for Pakistan. It warned that any attempt to obstruct or divert Pakistan’s allocated water would be considered an act of war and would be responded to with full national strength.

Reaffirming military preparedness, the NSC stated that Pakistan and its armed forces are fully capable and ready to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs, while reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to peace alongside firm defence of its rights.