Islamabad: In a major escalation of diplomatic tensions, Pakistan has officially announced the suspension of all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Agreement of 1972. The move follows a scathing statement from the Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office accusing India of "fomenting terrorism inside Pakistan," engaging in "trans-national killings," and showing "non-adherence to international law and UN resolutions on Kashmir."

“Pakistan shall exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India, including but not limited to the Simla Agreement, in abeyance, till India desists from its manifested behaviour,” the PMO stated.

The Simla Agreement, signed on July 2, 1972, between then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistan President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was a cornerstone of post-war diplomacy between the two nations. It was intended to de-escalate tensions following the 1971 Indo-Pak war, which resulted in a decisive Indian victory and the creation of Bangladesh. The war had ended with over 93,000 Pakistani troops surrendering, and India temporarily occupying approximately 5,000 square miles of Pakistani territory.

The agreement focused on the peaceful resolution of disputes through bilateral dialogue and sought to normalise diplomatic relations. It also committed both sides to respect the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, without altering it unilaterally.

Pakistan's decision to suspend the agreement, along with other bilateral understandings, marks a major downturn in already strained relations. It comes amid rising tensions in the aftermath of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which India has strongly condemned and blamed on Pakistan-based terror outfits.