On April 22, 2025, the horrific attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam sent shockwaves through South Asia. As Pakistan mourns the loss of civilian life anywhere, we recognize the shared grief of families in Jammu and Kashmir. Yet the diplomatic spiral that followed—border closures, treaty suspensions, and tit-for-tat expulsions—risks burying any chance for genuine peace. From Pakistan’s vantage point, today’s crisis demands both moral clarity and strategic restraint.
A Heartbroken Nation—And a Call for Truth
Pakistani citizens watched with horror as news of the Pahalgam shootings broke. Across the country, families lit candles in solidarity with those who perished. Civil society groups demanded a transparent, impartial investigation—one that brings the real perpetrators to justice. While Islamabad unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms, we also reject the rush to blame “foreign hands” without concrete evidence. A credible, joint inquiry—perhaps under UN or neutral observers—would be the first step toward accountability and healing.
Diplomatic Retaliation vs. Responsible Statecraft
India’s immediate response—slamming the Attari–Wagah border shut, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, and expelling Pakistani military advisers—amounts to collective punishment, with devastating human and economic costs. From the Pakistani perspective, these measures breach well-established agreements and risk humanitarian fallout in both countries. The Indus Waters Treaty, in particular, has long been a bedrock of cooperation; placing its future in jeopardy undermines regional water security and sets a dangerous precedent for naming and shaming as a foreign-policy tool.
Economic and Human Toll on Both Sides
Beyond headline-grabbing sanctions, everyday Pakistanis and Indians now face supply-chain snarls, higher commodity prices, and uncertainty for cross-border traders who have long relied on small-scale commerce. In Pakistan’s northern regions, families just a few miles from the ceasefire line depend on trade with Kashmir for their livelihoods. With formal channels frozen, many will be left to weather economic hardship or turn to informal—and often risky—alternatives.
Ceasefire Violations and the Shadow of Conflict
Reports of artillery exchanges along the Line of Control have already escalated fears of a wider military confrontation. From Islamabad’s view, Pakistan remains committed to its 2003 ceasefire understanding, and violations—from either side—only deepen mistrust. Pakistani military officials have reiterated their call for de-escalation and renewed dialogue under the United Nations’ guidance. As winter snows give way to spring, the specter of renewed conflict threatens lives on both sides of the divide.
The Imperative of Dialogue and Confidence-Building
Pakistan has consistently urged India to return to the negotiating table—on Kashmir, counterterrorism cooperation, and cross-border confidence-building measures. Even now, Pakistan’s leadership is exploring third-party facilitation to reopen communication channels, including through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the UN Secretary-General’s office. Only sustained, verified cooperation on policing, intelligence-sharing, and water management can break the cycle of reprisal.
A Shared Future Beyond Retaliation
Ultimately, South Asia’s prosperity hinges on moving past zero-sum mindsets. Pakistan remains ready to engage in a wide-ranging dialogue that addresses root causes—from development disparities in border regions to grievances over human rights. We believe that rebuilding trust starts with small steps: reopening family-link buses, resuming cultural exchanges, and reactivating joint water commissions. These confidence-building measures may seem modest, but they lay the groundwork for bigger breakthroughs.
Conclusion
The Pahalgam tragedy reminds us that innocent civilians pay the steepest price for political brinkmanship. Pakistan’s stance is clear: condemn the violence, demand a credible investigation, and resist punitive knee-jerk measures that victimize ordinary people. As both nations stand at a crossroads, choosing dialogue over discord is not a sign of weakness but of mature statecraft. Only through patience, transparency, and mutual respect can India and Pakistan transform today’s crisis into tomorrow’s opportunity for lasting peace.
