Pakistan Asks Russia and China to Investigate Pahalgam Attack, Diplomatic Tensions Rise
Pahalgam Attack Spurs Diplomatic Fallout
India is reeling from a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. This horrifying incident, claimed by the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba’s proxy, the Resistance Front (TRF), is the deadliest in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised a swift and severe response to those responsible, vowing that the perpetrators and their accomplices would face justice.
Pakistan Seeks International Investigation
Pakistan has taken a surprising step, requesting the involvement of Russia and China in investigating the attack. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif suggested in an interview with Russia’s state-run news agency RIA Novosti that an international investigation team could determine the truth about the incident, even hinting at potential involvement by India.
Asif emphasized the need for concrete evidence to support India’s accusations, stating that empty statements wouldn’t suffice. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also urged for an international probe.
Contradictory Claims Raise Concerns
However, analyst Andrew Korybko has raised concerns about the Pakistani government’s statements. He points out that Pakistani officials have made contradictory claims that undermine their credibility.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar suggested that the attackers could be “freedom fighters,” a statement that Korybko argues trivializes terrorism, regardless of one’s stance on the Kashmir conflict. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Asif condemned the attack and blamed India, creating a confusing narrative.
Korybko concludes that these conflicting positions raise serious questions about Pakistan’s attempts to cover up its potential role in the Pahalgam attack.
