Pakistan on Wednesday downgraded diplomatic relations with India besides suspended bilateral trade.

A decision to this effect was taken after a high-level Pakistan National Security Committee (NSC) meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

This was the second NSC meeting called to discuss the current situation in Kashmir after India revoked Article 370 and introduced Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019.

In addition to downgrading diplomatic relations and suspending bilateral trade, Pakistan will take the matter of abrogation of Article 370 to the United Nations including the Security Council and observe August 15 as black day, said a press release from Prime Minister Office (PMO).

He also directed the armed forces to remain vigilant, the statement said.

Almost all top Pakistan ministers were present at the meeting, including Pakistan Minister of Defence Pervez Khatak, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Minister for Interior Ijaz Ahmad Shah.

Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria has been expelled and the new Pakistan High Commissioner to India will not be taking charge.

The move is a part of downgrading process.