Pakistan Calls for International Investigation into Pahalgam Attack

Pakistan has called for the involvement of Russia, China, and even Western countries to investigate the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which took place on April 22, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the incident.

India’s Response and Pakistan’s Request

In response to the attack, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised the “harshest response” to the perpetrators and conspirators. However, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has pushed for an international inquiry. In an interview with the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, Asif said, “I think Russia or China or even Western countries can play a very, very positive role in this crisis… Let an international team find out.” He stressed that this investigation could reveal whether Modi’s claims about Pakistan’s involvement were true.

Pakistan’s Concerns About Indian Allegations

Asif further criticized India’s accusations, calling them “empty statements” without evidence. He insisted that concrete proof must be provided before concluding any involvement from Pakistan. He also mentioned that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif supported the idea of an international investigation.

Contradictory Claims from Pakistani Officials

Meanwhile, analyst Andrew Korybko pointed out contradictions in statements made by Pakistani officials. Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, suggested that the attackers might be “freedom fighters.” Korybko argued that, regardless of the Kashmir conflict, the act of massacring tourists is terrorism, not freedom fighting.

Korybko also highlighted another confusing statement from Khawaja Asif, who speculated that the attack could be a “false flag operation” aimed at framing Pakistan. Korybko criticized these conflicting statements, suggesting they exposed attempts to cover up Pakistan’s potential involvement in the attack.

Pakistan’s Position Under Scrutiny

These contradictory claims from top Pakistani officials raise doubts about their credibility. While Pakistan denies any involvement, their inconsistent responses have fueled speculation. The international community now watches closely as the investigation into the Pahalgam attack continues