Pakistan strikes back with diplomatic measures after Kashmir attack

Pakistan has taken a series of diplomatic steps in response to India’s accusations linking Islamabad to a recent deadly attack in Kashmir. The assault, which occurred in the scenic town of Pahalgam, resulted in the deaths of at least 26 individuals and is considered the deadliest in the region in 25 years. A group known as The Resistance Front, allegedly tied to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.

India responded forcefully, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowing to track down those responsible. Measures included sealing the main border with Pakistan and withdrawing from a water-sharing treaty. In turn, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif halted a canal project and criticized India’s actions as unjustified and politically motivated. He dismissed the accusations as baseless, citing a lack of credible evidence.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also rejected India’s claims, stating there is no link between Pakistan and the armed groups operating in the region. As tensions escalate, Islamabad has announced the closure of the Wagah border from April 30, ordered most Indian nationals to leave within 48 hours (except Sikh pilgrims), and suspended all trade and visa services under the SAARC programme. The Pakistani government has also limited the Indian High Commission's staff and closed its airspace to Indian flights.

The developments follow growing regional instability. Police in Indian-administered Kashmir have identified three suspects, two of whom are said to be Pakistani nationals. Authorities have detained over 1,500 individuals in an ongoing investigation. Amid fears and heightened security, local businesses are cautiously reopening after a protest-led shutdown.

The attack has sparked grief and anger among residents, with leaders like Omar Abdullah emphasizing that Kashmiris should not be blamed and highlighting the sacrifices made by locals to protect tourists. He appealed for understanding, stating that the people of Kashmir have endured decades of suffering and do not support such violence.