Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Advisor, Consultant, Researcher at Global South Economic and Trade Cooperation Research Center, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG. (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).
In the disputed territory of Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, a tragic incident occurred on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam. India immediately blamed Pakistan for what it termed a “terrorist attack,” without presenting any evidence or conducting an investigation. The speed and manner of India’s accusation raise serious concerns about the nature and intent of the incident. Pakistan believes this was yet another “false flag operation” staged by India—an unfortunate pattern that has emerged in recent years—designed to malign Pakistan and create a pretext for aggressive military action.
From the very beginning, Pakistan strongly condemned the Pahalgam incident, expressed heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, and made its position clear: Pakistan denounces terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. As a country that has suffered greatly from the scourge of terrorism—losing tens of thousands of lives and bearing immense economic and social costs—Pakistan has consistently stood against extremism. It is morally and logically inconsistent to accuse Pakistan of sponsoring the very acts it has long battled within its own borders.
Pakistan immediately proposed an independent, transparent, and impartial investigation into the incident, under the auspices of an international institution. The offer of full cooperation was extended to India and the global community. Yet, India chose not to respond to this call for neutrality and justice. Instead, it rejected the idea of an independent probe—suggesting that it had no real interest in uncovering the truth.
The international community, however, saw through the Indian narrative. Many countries and international observers rejected India’s accusations, citing the absence of credible evidence and the hastiness of the blame. This diplomatic shift was a significant moral and political victory for Pakistan. It reaffirmed global faith in principles of fairness and due process and supported Pakistan’s long-standing demand for resolving conflicts through dialogue and impartial mechanisms.
However, India’s subsequent actions shattered any hopes for restraint. On May 7th, 2025, India launched a massive military offensive against Pakistan. The attacks were indiscriminate and deliberately targeted civilian populations, places of worship, and critical water infrastructure. Among the dead were children, infants, and elderly citizens. Entire communities were devastated. Such acts, targeting non-combatants and religious sites, are not just a violation of international law—they are war crimes. India’s actions were in clear violation of the United Nations Charter, the Geneva Convention, and universally accepted human rights norms.
Despite grave provocations and immense human suffering, Pakistan acted with composure and responsibility. Rather than retaliate in haste, Pakistan took the matter to the international community, informing world capitals and institutions of India’s naked aggression and its humanitarian consequences. Pakistan called for urgent intervention to stop the bloodshed and urged global leaders to use their influence to halt India’s dangerous path.
While the world watched and deliberated, India continued its aggression. It disregarded international appeals and escalated its attacks. But Pakistan, true to its values and responsibilities as a peace-loving and mature state, exercised patience and restraint. As a nuclear power, Pakistan is deeply aware of the catastrophic consequences that could follow an unchecked escalation between two atomic-armed neighbors. Our government gave diplomacy every possible chance to prevail.
However, no nation can remain passive indefinitely while its sovereignty is violated and its citizens slaughtered. After exhausting all diplomatic options, Pakistan exercised its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. On May 10th, Pakistan launched a carefully calibrated, precise, and proportionate military response. The operation lasted only a few hours and was deliberately limited in scope. Military targets were selected with surgical precision. Civilian areas, places of worship, economic infrastructure, and non-military facilities were explicitly avoided. The goal was not to cause destruction, but to convey a clear message: Pakistan seeks peace, but it will not allow aggression to go unanswered.
This limited and symbolic response reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the principles of international law, the Geneva Conventions, and basic human dignity. By targeting only military installations and minimizing casualties, Pakistan demonstrated its strategic discipline and moral clarity. The international community witnessed this measured response and, once again, acknowledged Pakistan’s responsible conduct in the face of severe provocation. This marked yet another diplomatic and moral success for Islamabad.
Following Pakistan’s calibrated response, intense international negotiations were initiated. The United States, playing a constructive role, helped mediate a ceasefire. President Donald Trump, known for his aversion to prolonged wars and preference for negotiation, extended an offer to host peace talks. His administration’s diplomatic engagement was instrumental in preventing further escalation. It is hoped that under this renewed international focus, the Kashmir dispute—long festering and the root cause of regional instability—can be addressed in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Pakistan has always advocated for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. We believe the aspirations of the Kashmiri people must be respected, and that durable peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without addressing their legitimate grievances. The cycle of violence, repression, and military aggression must end.
We are profoundly grateful to the countries that stood with Pakistan during this crisis. China, as always, extended unwavering political and diplomatic support. Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, and several other nations voiced their solidarity with Pakistan’s call for peace, justice, and coexistence. Their support reflects a shared commitment to international law and the broader cause of regional stability.
This is not just a victory for Pakistan. It is a victory for diplomacy over war, for truth over propaganda, and for peace over aggression. It is a moment of hope for South Asia, where 1.8 billion people deserve a future free from the shadow of conflict.
The government of Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to peace, justice, and coexistence. We believe that the region’s prosperity lies in cooperation, not confrontation. We are ready to engage with all stakeholders in sincere dialogue—provided it is based on mutual respect, international legality, and the will of the people of Kashmir.
India must abandon its policy of denial and aggression. The use of false flag operations and manufactured narratives to justify war is both dangerous and irresponsible. If India seeks to be seen as a responsible global power, it must act like one—by engaging in constructive dialogue, respecting human rights, and honoring its international obligations.
Let this moment be a turning point—not just in the history of Pakistan-India relations, but in the collective journey of South Asia toward peace and prosperity.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)