The recent killing of 26 tourist in the scenic Pahalgam area (Known as valley of shepherd due its wide spread green meadows) of Indian occupied Kashmir (IOK) southern Anantnag district, 50 km from Srinagar, is highly deplorable. Targeting civilians for any political motive is in departure to all moral norms and Geneva conventions on human rights. Any sane person can relate to the ordeal of the families who came under attack when they are enjoying their holidays. As per initial reports, few people in camouflage dresses came out of the nearby forest and started indiscriminate firing on the civilians. Shameful, to say the least.

But what is also deplorable is the one sided arbitrary and unilateral decisions of the Indian government without any inquiry or tangible proof against Pakistan. Apparently, as per Indian media, a lesser known group ‘The Resistance Front’, claimed the responsibility of the attack (Claim has not yet been verified independently by other news outlet), as a revenge for stripping Kashmir into two unions, by changing its semi-autonomous status in 2019 and awarding thousands of residency permits to non-local Indians to live in Kashmir in an apparent attempt to change the ethnic proportion of Kashmir in the longer run.

What obvious good will Pakistan accrues out of such an incident? Nothing. Thus, it seems illogical from the onset to blame a responsible state like Pakistan of such an act

Indian decision on Indus Basin treaty, withdrawal of Military attaches, curtailment of staff at embassies and visa related restriction are acts to pressurize Pakistan and creates a narrative, without justice, that Pakistan is behind these attacks. What obvious good will Pakistan accrues out of such an incident? Nothing. Thus, it seems illogical from the onset to blame a responsible state like Pakistan of such an act.

Rhetoric apart, the issue needs a pragmatic unbiased synthesis. First lets study the Indian dynamics. Apparent breakout of Bangladesh from political clutches of India after the political demise of Haseena Wajid pro Indian government is a big blow to India.  Furthermore, Bangladesh is trying to revive its diplomatic relations with Pakistan. An obvious thaw to the Indian foreign policy.

In early March 2025, Pakistan extradited Mohammad Sharifullah, a senior commander of the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), to the United States

Contrary to Indian wishes of Pakistan isolation, Pakistan as a state is considered a responsible nation state by the world powers including USA.  In early March 2025, Pakistan extradited Mohammad Sharifullah, a senior commander of the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), to the United States. He is accused of orchestrating the August 2021 suicide bombing at Kabul airport’s Abbey Gate, which killed 13 U.S. service members. Following his arrest, he was transferred to U.S. custody based on mutual legal cooperation .This operation underscores the counterterrorism collaboration between Pakistan and the United States. This handing over resulted in open acknowledgment of the same by USA President & is a testimony of Pakistan reputation as a responsible state with a modern outlook with enmity towards none. Again, not a good omen for India & its policy of Pakistan isolation on the international front.

Gwadar airport was jointly inaugurated by Pakistan and Chinese political leadership and the CPEC $64 Billion projects are progressing smoothly

China Pakistan relations are on a stable path. CPEC is progressing well. Recently, the Gwadar airport was jointly inaugurated by Pakistan and Chinese political leadership and the CPEC $64 Billion projects are progressing smoothly. Pakistan governance, economic stability and financial standing are improving & IMF & other world financial institutions are willing to work with Pakistan. A sign of economic stability and a stable future.

Balochistan is a complicated issue and the government is trying its level best to address the same in spite of foreign player’s efforts to create unrest in the province through attacks on LEAs & civilians on ethnic basis in line with Kalboshan and his cronies resolve to disrupt the maritime components of CPEC. Very recently on 11 March 25, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, hijacked the Jaffar Express passenger train in the Bolan Pass region of Balochistan.

Pakistani security forces launched a rescue operation the following day, which resulted in the deaths of all 33 militants involved. Pakistan strongly believes and suspects strong linkages of Indian intelligence elements support to the BLA in the execution of this operation. Kalboshan has already accepted Indian agencies connections with separatist’s elements to weaken Pakistan. Still, Pakistan acted in a responsible manner without resorting to undue rhetoric or any unilateral action, as expected from any modern democratic nation, in contrast and departure to India’s reaction to IOK killing incident.

Since the Kashmir killing, Indian politician & media are openly in discourse to disintegrate the Pakistan. Objective is to create a narrative in line with hybrid warfare tactic so that western countries get convinced of Pakistan’s role in the sad incident of killing innocent civilians. Pakistan needs to react fast. A counter narrative is to be built which shall clearly narrate the India atrocities in the IOK & it’s open support to terrorist related organizations in Balochistan.

Indian tainted image be brought to front line whereby even Canada has raised suspicions on it on the killing of Sikh leaders of Khalistan Movement in Canada

Indian tainted image be brought to front line whereby even Canada has raised suspicions on it on the killing of Sikh leaders of Khalistan Movement in Canada. One cannot expect irresponsible statement from a responsible state like Canada. Previously, Indian Intelligence was suspected to be involved in the killing of Khalistan leaders in UK. Thus the Indian terrorist activities are not limited to Pakistan.

Notwithstanding the Indian trade advantages to Middle Eastern countries and West, its human right record is tainted with blood of innocent across the globe

The world also needs to take a notice of it. Notwithstanding the Indian trade advantages to Middle Eastern countries and West, its human right record is tainted with blood of innocent across the globe. Its time to reflect upon the ground realities without resorting to undue rhetoric. India may lodge official complaint through diplomatic channels to Pakistan along with proofs and both countries can then discuss the matter with openness like two responsible neighbours. Enmity between nuclear powers is of no good to the world.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.