Pakistan suspends trade, downgrades diplomatic relations with India

Pakistan on Wednesday decided to suspend bilateral trade and downgrade its diplomatic relations with India in a meeting of the National Security Committee chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Prime Minister Office said in a statement.

The meeting, which was held in the wake of India's move to revoke the special status to Indian-controlled Kashmir, discussed the situation inside Indian-controlled Kashmir and along the Line of Control, the de-facto border between the two neighbors.

Pakistani people rally to mark Kashmir Solidarity against Indian forces in Karachi, Pakistan on August 5, 2019. [Photo: IC]

Khan also directed all diplomatic channels to be activated to highlight human rights violations in India-controlled Kashmir and directed the military to continue its vigilance and be prepared to face any aggression.

Pakistan also decided to take the Kashmir issue to the United Nations.

India's "unlawful move will also be discussed with friendly countries," Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told local media.