Kashmir Issue: Pakistan Downgrades Diplomatic Ties With India, Suspends Bilateral Trade

Pakistan on Wednesday decided to downgrade diplomatic relations with India and suspend bilateral trade after New Delhi revoked the special status of Jammu & Kashmir.

The decision was taken at a crucial meeting of the National Security Committee in Islamabad chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan and attended by top civil and military leadership, said a statement issued by the PM’s Office.

The Indian government on Monday abolished Article 370 of the Constitution that gave special status to J&K and bifurcated the state into two Union Territories -- Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.

The NSC decided to review "bilateral arrangements" with India while taking the matter to the United Nations, including the Security Council, the statement said.