India halts mail, parcel services with Pakistan amid rising tensions over Pahalgam terror attack

Attari Border

India on Saturday suspended all categories of mail and parcel exchanges with Pakistan via both air and surface routes amid escalating tensions following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. The directive was issued by the Department of Posts, under the Ministry of Communications.

The decision comes in the wake of evidence pointing to cross-border linkages in the April 22 attack.

Earlier, in a high-level meeting with senior defence officials, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the armed forces have been granted "complete operational freedom" to determine the timing, targets, and nature of India's response. The prime minister emphasized that it is the nation’s firm resolve to decisively combat terrorism.

On April 23, India announced a series of retaliatory measures against Pakistan. These include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari land border crossing—the only operational one between the two countries—and the downgrading of diplomatic ties.

In retaliation, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian aircraft and suspended all trade with India, including through third-party countries. It also rejected India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that any attempt to halt water flow would be considered an "act of war."