Pakistan Closes Airspace, Border, and Trade Ties with India Amid Rising Tensions
Islamabad, April 25, 2025 – In a series of sweeping measures signaling a major escalation in bilateral tensions, Pakistan on Thursday announced the immediate closure of the Wagah Border Post, suspending all cross-border transit from India through the route without exception.
According to an official statement, individuals who have already crossed into Pakistan with valid endorsements may return via Wagah, but no later than April 30, 2025.
Additionally, Pakistan has cancelled all visas issued to Indian nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES), with immediate effect. The only exemption granted is for Sikh religious pilgrims, who are still permitted to remain. All other Indian nationals currently in Pakistan under SVES have been ordered to exit within 48 hours.
In another major move, Pakistan’s airspace has been closed for all Indian-owned or Indian-operated airlines, effectively suspending Indian air traffic over the country.
Furthermore, all trade with India, including transit to and from third countries through Pakistan, has also been halted with immediate effect.
The Pakistani government said in its statement that its armed forces remain fully prepared to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, asserting it will "never allow anyone to transgress its sovereignty, security, dignity, and inalienable rights."
The drastic measures mark a significant deterioration in diplomatic ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbors and are likely to have wide-ranging political and economic ramifications.