Defence experts are raising concerns over the deadly attack that took place in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese. Analysts are questioning the circumstances surrounding the attack, suggesting it may be part of a false flag operation orchestrated by India. The attack, which occurred in the Baisaran Valley on April 22, 2025, also injured at least 17 others.
Brigadier (retd) Ahmed Saeed Minhas criticized Indian media for hastily blaming Pakistan without providing evidence, pointing out that the attack occurred 400 kilometres inside IIOJK. He referenced India’s response to past incidents, such as Pakistan’s restraint during the 2019 incident involving Indian pilot Abhinandan, as an example of Pakistan’s diplomatic approach.
Other analysts, like Brigadier (retd) Rashid Wali, raised doubts about India’s immediate attempt to spread anti-Pakistan propaganda, calling it a baseless accusation. He warned that any further misadventures could embarrass India, referencing the Balakot episode as a potential outcome if such actions continued.
Mushahid Hussain Syed, a former senator, condemned the practice of blaming Pakistan without proper investigation, describing it as an “automated response” by India. He noted that incidents like the Pahalgam attack fit a pattern of shifting blame, which undermines international credibility.
National security expert Syed Muhammad Ali suggested that the incident could be part of a deliberate false flag operation aimed at defaming Islam, Pakistan, and the Kashmiri people. He also pointed out that India might be using the attack to divert attention from domestic issues, particularly trade pressures from the United States.
Pakistan expressed concern over the tragic loss of life in the attack, with a spokesperson from the Foreign Office offering condolences to the victims’ families and wishing the injured a speedy recovery. The group “Kashmir Resistance” claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it was in protest against the demographic changes in the region, a reference to India’s policy of settling outsiders in Kashmir following the revocation of the region’s special status in 2019.
Indian Prime Minister Modi condemned the attack, pledging to strengthen India’s resolve against terrorism. The US President and other international leaders, including EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, condemned the incident, pledging support for India in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
