- By Ajeet Kumar
- Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:16 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The US has issued a 'Do Not Travel' advisory for Jammu and Kashmir owing to the “terror attacks” and possible “violent civilian unrest” in the Union Territory and also within 10 kms of the India-Pakistan border. The advisory warning for all US citizens was issued on Wednesday, a day after terrorists opened fire in Kashmir's Pahalgam killing 26 people, mostly tourists, in what is the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019.
“Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Do not travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. It also occurs in tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam,” the US Department of State's updated travel advisory for US citizens said.
It also asked its citizens to avoid going within 10 kilometres of the India-Pakistan border “due to the potential for armed conflict.” India on Wednesday suspended the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and announced downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan, including expulsion of its military attaches, in view of the cross-border links to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Pakistan calls high-level meeting
In response to India's announcement of tough measures against Pakistan, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called a meeting of the National Security Committee on Thursday morning to discuss and address India's actions.
Sharing a post on X, Dar wrote, "Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif @CMShehbaz has convened the meeting of the National Security Committee on Thursday morning 24th April 2025 to respond to the Indian Government's statement of this evening."
According to a report by Dawm, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq criticised India's "baseless and false" allegations against Pakistan while condemning the attack and extending his condolences.
"The immediate accusation against Pakistan after the incident shows Indian malice. The aim of India's conspiracy is to divert attention from the atrocities in Kashmir ... The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the false flag operation is condemnable," he said, demanding that the international community take notice of India's "dramatic tactics." He further alleged that India wanted to sabotage the Indus Water Treaty through such "vile propaganda".