In the high-stakes game of Kashmir, the Pahalgam attack has become yet another pawn sacrificed on the unstable chessboard of India-Pakistan rivalry. 22 April 2025 marks a grim turning point in the decades-long Kashmir conflict, splintering the fragile hopes for peace and exposing the region once again to the seeds of crises between India and Pakistan. The Pahalgam massacre devastated many innocent lives and escalated an increase in the diplomatic and military conflict between the two parties.

The incident demonstrated the weakness in political claims by Indians about Kashmir’s condition

The incident demonstrated the weakness in political claims by Indians about Kashmir’s condition while showing that violent disturbance quickly leads to diplomatic failure and increased hostility between the two parties. It also contributed to breaking a period of tenous stability in the region while revealing the precarious situation of peace through both arguments of provocation and justification for increased hostility.

This conflict escalated between both parties when India accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, but Pakistan refuted the allegation with a warning of escalating tensions in the region. Attackers involved in the incident have been identified as Pakistani nationals, while Pakistani institutions continue their support to militant groups whose bases remain inside Indian-administered Kashmir.

Pakistan considers the Kashmiri insurgency as a homegrown struggle for self-determination

India considers Pakistan a nation that provides sanctuary and aid to destabilize the region through cross-border terrorist groups. Where as Pakistan considers the Kashmiri insurgency as a homegrown struggle for self-determination.

Keeping an eye on the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan denied the accusation of sponsoring this attack. The insurgency, which escalated in the 1980s and continues today, is seen by Pakistanis as a struggle against Indian occupation, fueled by Indian self-centered security measures and political agendas such as the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. This escalating conflict gives rise to geopolitical tensions.

India alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) as the mastermind behind the massacre.

Prime Minister Modi declared that those responsible” will not be spared” as India declared an unwavering commitment to fight terrorism. India alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) as the mastermind behind the massacre. Moreover, this attack targeted civilians based on their religious identity, with witnesses reporting that victims were asked about their religion before being shot. India followed the strong measure, including suspending the Tndus Water Treaty, closing its airspace to Pakistani flights, expelling diplomats, and intensifying military operations in Kashmir. The Indian prime minister granted the armed forces full operational freedom to determine the timing and nature of retaliatory strikes, showcasing the firm stance against cross-border terrorism.

In response to India, Pakistan rejects the allegations. The government of Pakistan considers India’s retaliation measures as unacceptable provocation, which potentially endangers the peaceful environment through military actions. Pakistan deployed more troops along the Line of Control (LoC). Moreover, Pakistani authorities responded by suspending all agreements, including the closure of Wagah border, suspending certain visa facilities for Indian nationals, shutting Pakistani airspace for all Indian airlines, suspending all trade activities with India, and declaring the Indian defense, naval, and air advisor in Islamabad persona non grata.

The United States has actively reached out to both parties, encouraging a “responsible solution.”

The escalating tensions between the two parties need a balanced, peaceful environment through peaceful diplomatic channels. The United States has actively reached out to both parties, encouraging a “responsible solution.” The United Nations should emphasize the need to avoid confrontation that could lead to a peaceful environment. Moreover, this negotiation enables both countries to reduce the risk of a two-front confrontation, to securitize the region, build trust, and promote peace and harmony.

The Pahalgam attack remains shaky because deeply rooted rivalries generate frequent attacks that prove the region’s unsettling instability. Both countries indulge in dangerous border politics, but the ongoing conflict traps the Kashmiri people between their competing objectives. Both countries chose confrontational tactics by using diplomatic responses and military strikes, as well as counterreaction along the line of control.

The Pahalgam terrorist attack demands that all parties accept peace must not be a zero-sum power struggle.

The Pahalgam terrorist attack demands that all parties accept peace must not be a zero-sum power struggle. Peace in the region needs diplomatic forums more than armed actions. International bodies should actively support peace talks to maintain trust. Diplomatic talks act as a tool to promote stability and prosperity in the region. These sustained dialogue processes based on good faith between India and Pakistan should address all political and humanitarian matters centering on Kashmir to establish an enduring equilibrium.

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.