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Pahalgam Terror Attack: Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply on Monday as Islamabad reported a drastic fall in Chenab river water flows after India moved to suspend the Indus Water Treaty and shut the gates of the Baglihar and Salal dams.

According to Pakistan’s Punjab irrigation department, water levels at Marala headworks on the Chenab plummeted from around 35,000 cusecs on Sunday to a mere 3,100 cusecs by Monday morning.

As per ANI report, a senior official confirmed that India had “almost blocked” Chenab’s flow to downstream Pakistan following Sunday’s decision. Pakistan’s Indus River System Authority (IRSA), in a meeting of its advisory committee held in Islamabad, flagged serious concerns over the impact on Kharif crops, which are already facing a 21 per cent shortfall. The regulator warned of a potential worsening of the water crisis if the current trend continues, saying the 21 per cent shortage estimate would be reviewed daily.

Also Read:Pahalgam Terror Attack: India-Pakistan tensions highest in years, says UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres 

Visuals from Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi and Ramban regions showed all gates of the Salal and Baglihar dams firmly shut. The move, however, received backing from local residents, who criticised Pakistan’s repeated provocations and voiced support for India’s measures, warning of possible escalation if such actions continue.

Meanwhile, at the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan faced a tough diplomatic setback. During an informal, closed-door consultation session requested by Islamabad, Council members questioned Pakistan’s narrative, especially its attempt to label the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack as a “false flag” operation.

Sources told ANI that multiple UNSC members raised concerns about Pakistan-based terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba and condemned the attack, which claimed 26 lives—mostly tourists. 

The council called for accountability and flagged Pakistan’s recent missile tests and nuclear rhetoric as worrying escalatory signals. Members advised Islamabad to resolve matters bilaterally with India.

Also Read:Pahalgam Terror Attack Aftermath: Several Indian states likely to conduct mock self-defence drill on May 7  

Adding to Pakistan’s woes, German airline Lufthansa announced the suspension of its flights using Pakistani airspace. The move comes in the wake of India’s crackdown following the Pahalgam attack.

India has also issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), closing its airspace to all Pakistani-registered, operated, or leased aircraft, including military flights, from April 30 to May 23. 

In a diplomatic blow to Islamabad, India expelled Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors from the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi, declaring them persona non grata. The Indian government has reiterated its firm stand against terrorism and vowed severe punishment for those behind the Pahalgam attack.

(With inputs from ANI)

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