POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday accused India of orchestrating the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack in occupied Kashmir, calling it a “self-choreographed” attempt to divert attention from its internal political crises and human rights abuses in the region.
The attack, which killed 26 people — mostly tourists — has reignited tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. India quickly implied cross-border involvement, despite lacking evidence. Pakistan has categorically rejected the claims and called for a neutral international investigation.
Speaking at the Regional Dialogue 2025, hosted by the Institute of Regional Studies in Islamabad, Dar described India’s actions as “unilateral, politically motivated, and highly provocative,” accusing New Delhi of using the attack to stoke war hysteria ahead of domestic elections, especially in Bihar.
“There’s a dangerous pattern of escalation — baseless accusations, inflammatory rhetoric, and attempts to create a justification for military adventurism,” said Dar. “This brinkmanship could lead to regional disaster.”
Dar confirmed Pakistan has reinforced its defenses, but remains committed to peace. “We won’t initiate aggression, but any misadventure will be met with a swift and strong response.”
He revealed that Pakistan has requested an immediate session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to present evidence of India’s alleged involvement and discuss the implications of India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Iran and China Rally Behind Pakistan
On the diplomatic front, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with PM Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief Gen Asim Munir, and Dar, discussing regional tensions and reaffirming the importance of diplomacy. Araghchi is expected to visit India later this week.
China also reiterated its “ironclad” support for Pakistan. President Asif Ali Zardari, in a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, appreciated Beijing’s backing and expressed concern over India’s “irresponsible and aggressive rhetoric.”
Information Minister Debunks Indian Allegations at LoC
Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar led a group of international journalists to alleged “terrorist hideouts” near the Line of Control (LoC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The purpose was to expose what Pakistan calls “false and baseless Indian propaganda.”
“There are no training camps — only peaceful villagers and beautiful landscapes,” Tarar told reporters, debunking Indian claims and warning against any military adventurism.
CNN’s Nic Robertson interviewed local families whose relatives were killed in alleged fake encounters by Indian forces, amplifying Pakistan’s narrative on international platforms.
Conclusion
As India and Pakistan exchange fire across the LoC and engage in an aggressive war of words, Pakistan continues to urge global stakeholders to intervene diplomatically. Islamabad’s push for a UNSC session signals its intention to internationalize the issue while holding New Delhi accountable for what it describes as “a dangerous political gamble.”