Pahalgam Terror attack: Pakistan calls for an “independent” inquiry I Security forces neutralize 54 militants along the Afghan border
In Focus
Demonstrations against six-canals project continue
On 27 April, all efforts to disperse demonstrators protesting against the six-canals project across various parts of Sindh were unsuccessful. This comes as thousands of heavy vehicles remain stranded in Sukkur, Kandhot, Kashmore, Ghotki and Khairpur. Manufacturers have complained of being forced to halt production due to shortages in raw materials, while port authorities foresee a potential congestion. Protests by lawyers, civil society groups, nationalist parties, and others continue despite the federation and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) coalition announcing the postponement of the canals project on the Indus, amid growing concerns over India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty.
Separately, protests that entered their fifth day in Gulshan-i-Hadeed turned violent. According to a Deputy Inspector General, Usman Ghani, the police were removing tents that blocked the main road to Gulshan-i-Hadded when they came under attack by a lawyer. Later, members of the crowd pelted stones and used batons against the police and rangers stationed at the site as they allegedly provoked the legal community for not upholding the law. Six injured protestors have been registered with FIRs, and two police officers also sustained injury in the morning and afternoon. Police attempted to disperse the crowd, but it further enraged the demonstrators, leading them to set a police vehicle ablaze.
On the same day, President Asif Ali Zardari met with Sindh’s Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and discussed the issues behind the project and its repercussions. According to sources reported by Dawn, the CM raised concerns regarding certain political entities exploiting the protests to fulfil their “vested interests” in the present protests. He also notified the president of the provincial government’s measures to restore normalcy and address protesters' grievances. In the backdrop, the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance announced plans to demonstrate outside the CM’s house on 28 April in opposition to the extended blockade. In another development, Sindh Minister Sharjeel Memon lauded PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto for bringing the canal dispute to rest. Noting the upcoming Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting he alluded to how the issue will be “permanently closed.” (Aamir Shafaat Khan, “Canal protests continue to hinder movement of goods,” Dawn, 28 April 2025; Imtiaz Ali, “Eight wounded as police, protesters clash near Karachi’s Gulshan-i-Hadeed over canals project,” Dawn, 27 April 2025; “Sharjeel Memon calls for end to protests after resolution of canal issue,” The Express Tribune, 27 April 2025)
Pahalgam Terror attack: Pakistan calls for an “independent” inquiry
Foreign Minister Dar expressed Pakistan’s willingness to cooperate in a fair and “independent” inquiry into the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Defence Minister Khwaja Asif demanded that New Delhi must put an end to its “baseless” accusations against Islamabad. Further, he stated that the UN Security council and other “regional powers” must inquire into the terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam. He cautioned that a conflict between two nuclear countries would lead to destruction of “world peace.” He urged for establishing an “international commission” which could include participation from “China, Russia, Iran and Arab countries” to carry out an inquiry into the terror attack. He blamed PM Modi of rendering a “political drama” in order to “save” himself and that this was a repeat of what happened after the terrorist attack in Pulwama in 2019.
On 28 April, an opinion in Dawn titled “On the brink, again” discussed the surge in tensions between India and Pakistan after the terror attack in Pahalgam. The author, Maleeha Lodhi mentioned how India has walked out of Indus Water Treaty, shut down “Attari border crossing” and has ordered expulsion of multiple Pakistani diplomats. Lodhi claimed that India, for the past few years, has been attempting to breach the Indus Water Treaty. She highlighted how New Delhi refused to participate in the “court of arbitration” in 2023. In the same year, New Delhi informed Islamabad about wanting to change the Indus Water Treaty’s “dispute settlement provisions.” Lodhi states that the treaty does not have any “provisions” as per which New Delhi can on its own walk out of it. Lodhi claimed that India does not have the capability to divert the water which comes to Pakistan. Lodhi expressed apprehension towards the possibility of India taking a “military action” against Pakistan. As per Lodhi, this could lead to an “all out crisis” which could be of higher magnitude than what the two countries went through after Pulwama attack. (“China watching South Asia situation closely, FM Wang tells Dar,” Dawn, 28 April 2025; Pakistan scores diplomatic win at UNSC, The News International, 28 April 2025; “UK calls for de-escalating situation through dialogue,” The News International, 28 April 2025; Maleeha Lodhi, “On the brink, again,” Dawn, 28 April 2025)
Responses from China, UK, Iran and UN Security Council
On 28 April, Dawn reported that Islamabad has been pursuing discussions with other countries over New Delhi’s response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack as it was viewed against Pakistan’s interest. PM Sharif held separate discussions over telephone with China, UK and Iran. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with his “counterparts” in UK and China and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to pursuing actions which are in its “national interest” and its interest in continuing to work towards ensuring “peace and stability” in South Asia.
China
On 28 April, Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi informed Foreign Minister Dar that China was keeping a close eye on the tensions which have surged between India and Pakistan. Wang Yi assured Islamabad of continued backing towards Pakistan’s attempts to combat terrorism. He said “as an ironclad friend and an all-weather strategic cooperative partner, China fully understands Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and supports Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty and security interests.” The Chinese foreign minister called for a “swift and fair” inquiry into the attack and stressed that the surge in tension between India and Pakistan is not in the “interest” of the two countries. Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed optimism that India and Pakistan would work together towards diffusing the tensions which have arisen after the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
Iran
On 26 April, PM Sharif held a discussion with President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian. PM Sharif had put forward Islamabad’s stance on New Delhi’s allegations and measures against Pakistan. He informed the Iranian President that Islamabad wants to ensure “peace and the region” and was open to the idea of Tehran involving itself in the situation to diffuse tensions between Pakistan and India. PM Sharif accused India of using “water as a weapon” and called it “unacceptable.” He stated that Pakistan denounces “terrorism in its all forms and manifestation” and claimed that Islamabad does have any links to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Further, he informed the Iranian President that Islamabad is willing to participate in a fair and independent inquiry into the terrorist attack. He also expressed sympathy towards the victims of the recent blast which took place in Bandar Abbas, Iran. On the blast, PM Sharif also offered all kinds of “assistance” to Iran.
UK
On 27 April, Foreign Minister Dar held a discussion with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy over telephone. The UK foreign secretary stressed on the need to diffuse tensions between India and Pakistan via “dialogue and peaceful resolution of issues. Foreign Minister Dar had voiced Pakistan’s concerns regarding India suspending the Indus Water Treaty. He expressed Pakistan’s commitment towards safeguarding its “national interest” and also ensuring “peace and stability” in South Asia. Both Lammy and Dar decided to keep each other in the loop about the emerging “situation.”
UNSC
On 28 April, The News International reported that the UN Security Council statement on the Pahalgam Terrorist attack does not contain the allegations raised by India against Pakistan. The News International saw the UN Security Council statement as a “diplomatic victory” for Pakistan. As per The News International, Islamabad made sure that the statement from the UNSC mentioned “Jammu and Kashmir” and not just “Pahalgam.” The News International claimed that India wanted UNSC to use only Pahalgam and not Jammu and Kashmir to hide the fact that the “disputed territory” is being held under its control. also stated that they were closely following the “situation” with maximum “concern.” A member from the UN asked Islamabad and New Delhi to not let “situation” go out of hand amidst “tensions” rising between the two countries,
In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Two-third petitions contesting general election results remain unresolved: FAFEN report
On 28 April, Dawn highlighted a Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) report illustrating how nearly two-thirds of the petitions challenged the 8 February 2024 general elections in the national and provincial assemblies. Between February and April 2025, around 24 petitions have been resolved. So far, 136 of the 372 petitions have been decided on. Of them, 26 per cent are linked to the National Assembly while 42 per cent are related to provincial assemblies. According to FAFEN, the disposal rate has been significantly slow as four tribunals have been dysfunctional during the reporting period in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, and Punjab. Moreover, 54 decisions of election tribunals have been contested at the Supreme Court (SC), while 51 have been filed against the election petitions that have been rejected at tribunals. Among the latter petitions, only four have been heard and dismissed by the SC, while 47 are still under adjudication. (Ifthikar A Khan, “14 months after polls, two-thirds of election disputes still undecided,” Dawn, 28 April 2025)
On what Balochistan should mean to Pakistan:
“If progress is the goal, politics can no longer be an afterthought. It must be the foundation,” argues an opinion in The News International
On 28 April, in an opinion titled “Balochistan as partner,” Aisha Saeed emphasized the importance of Balochistan to Pakistan’s national interest. Till now, the province has been viewed through a security lens due to growing secessionist movements often resorting to violence. Whether the growing separatism is externally influenced or “rooted in questions of power and sovereignty” is yet to be determined. Presently, the federation’s two-dimensional development security engagement approach suggests a significant shift from national-level projects to community-level benefits. The element of economic development entails renewed infrastructure and investment, and the safety of workers and local communities has led to the expansion of security in the provinces. The author argued that development and security are indispensable to one another. Given Balochistan’s context, for several years, it has been the product of federal dictation and weak provincial institutions. Instead of approaching it as an intervention zone, it ought to be seen as “a constituency with agency and aspirations.” In short, the author called for political inclusion of Balochistan within federal structures and policymaking, as Baloch grievances are often sidelined or viewed with suspicion. Consequently, local communities grew disillusioned with the Centre. The legitimacy of development becomes unfounded when political voices are given little consideration. Saeed argued that Balochistan must be viewed and treated as Pakistan’s “partner” versus “as a project site or a security risk.” (Aisha Saeed, “Balochistan as a partner,” The News International, 28 April 2025)
ECONOMY
On the need for tax reforms:
It “does not help that there are many who benefit far too much from keeping things the way they are,” argues an editorial in The News International
On 28 April, an editorial titled “Tax season” in The News International highlighted the need for reform in Pakistan’s taxation system. Quoting the World Bank, it called the current system absurd and unfair, as the working class is taxed while large retailers are given subsidies. Those forced to reveal their incomes, expenditures, and assets receive nothing in return, while retailers and property owners do become dormant during the tax season. According to the Bank’s economist, the system will remain unstable until a few people file returns. He suggested digitalization and widening the tax base; however, vested interests within the country resist such reforms. There remains an innate disinclination to innovate and evolve from outdated legislations, institutional disconnect, and administrative drawbacks. The editorial remarked: It has become part of the country’s DNA to resist and/or fail to implement necessary changes until there is simply no other choice.” Even though a small population contributes to national revenues, a significant portion is unrealized. Experts suggest that 40 per cent of development allocations are redirected into commissions. In this regard, the editorial called for a “fair, transparent and rational tax framework” to tackle the “chronic resistance to change.” (“Tax season,” The News International, 28 April 2025)
ENVIRONMENT
On the ongoing heatwave:
“The current heatwave is not merely a temporary discomfort; it is a dire warning,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 28 April, an editorial titled “At heat’s mercy” in Dawn expressed alarm against the intense heat waves plaguing Pakistan as temperatures have soared between four to seven degree Celsius above the normal levels. These climatic conditions are expected to persist while some regions may witness extreme temperature of 49 degree Celsius. In this regard, the editorial warned against the accelerating severity of climate change impacts. The heatwaves have directly affected various sectors of the economy, like agriculture and health. However, despite repeated warnings from scientific and international circles, Pakistan remains extremely underprepared. The editorial urged the relevant actors to look beyond short-term interventions and adopt a long-term strategy to adapt to the climate. Investment in water storage and management, climate-resilient crops, and expanding urban greenery may be the way to go. Moreover, the most vulnerable citizens cannot afford to deal with the impacts of inaction. Hence, “rather than half-measures, the situation demands bold, coordinated action to safeguard lives, livelihoods and the country’s future,” editorial argued. (“At heat’s mercy,” Dawn, 28 April 2025)
On Pakistan’s climate complacency:
“Pakistan’s leaders must confront a simple truth: the economic cost of climate inaction will dwarf the cost of proactive investment,” says an editorial in The Express Tribune
On 28 April, an editorial titled “Cost of climate complacency,” in The Express Tribune highlighted the seriousness/urgency of climate action. Noting how USD two billion losses from climate-induced disasters are made every year, extreme vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, the editorial pointed out that Pakistan’s climate preparedness is extremely inadequate. The costs of poor planning and political inaction threaten its development aspirations amidst high poverty levels and declining access to essential services. International funding can only do so much to support the country. Without a domestic commitment remains futile. “The scale of the challenge requires a wholesale rethinking of priorities,” the editorial observed. A national policy for disaster relief must be actively sought. Climate adaptation must be at its core, along with resilience-building efforts. (“Cost of climate complacency,” The Express Tribune, 28 April 2025)
SECURITY
Security forces neutralize 54 militants along the Afghan border
On 27 April, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) informed that 54 militants were neutralized who were trying to trespass into North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from the Afghan border. As per the ISPR, this is the highest number of militants neutralized by security forces in a “single engagement.” ISPR informed that the security forces were able to confiscate huge quantities of “weapons, ammunition and explosives.” As per the ISPR, the militants were getting orders from “foreign masters.” The statement from ISPR hinted of India’s involvement in facilitating the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The ISPR alleged that India was attempting to divert the attention of the security forces from “war against terror” by raising tensions in the region. The country has seen a surge in terror attacks since 2022, after the outlawed TTP “ended the ceasefire” with the government. ISPR praised the security forces for successfully thwarting a “potential catastrophe.” Further, the statement expressed commitment of the security forces to rooting out threats posed by the terrorists.
On 28 April, an editorial in The Express Tribune titled “Growing terror spectrum,” discussed how Pakistan is surrounded by threats on both its western and eastern border. As per the editorial, the 54 militants attempting to enter Pakistan from Afghanistan signifies that the former is itself a “victim of international terrorism.” The editorial arguedthat there is an urgent need for “regional cooperation” in order to combat the threat posed by multiple militant groups. Thereby, the editorial urged that Pakistan expressing its desire to be a part of a fair and transparent inquiry into the Pahalgam terrorist attack must be “taken in good faith.” The editorial also highlighted how there has been a surge in terrorist attacks after the US departed from Afghanistan. The editorial urged the Taliban government to root out the threats posed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban militants. (“54 terrorists killed as infiltration attempt thwarted in KP: ISPR,” Dawn, 27 April 2025; “Growing terror spectrum,” The Express Tribune, 28 April 2025)
EXTERNAL
“Indian demonstrators” attack the Pakistan High Commission in the UK, reports The Express Tribune
On 27 April, The Express Tribune reported that “Indian protesters” attacked the Pakistan High Commission in UK. The attack resulted in vandalization of property. The protesters smashed “window panes,” and threw “saffron paint” on the High Commission building. The “security” has been beefed up at the High Commission after the attack. An inquiry will be initiated to bring the culprits under the purview of law. Two “Indian protesters” were detained after they were accused of indulging in “violence.” Pakistanis in the UK carried out a “counter-protest” in response to the protests staged by Indians. PM Sharif denounced the assault and demanded for a “neutral, transparent and credible” inquiry into the incident. He also expressed Pakistan’s willingness to participate in the inquiry. (“Pakistan High Commission in London comes under attack,” The Express Tribune, 27 April 2025)
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Every soldier and every individual of this nation is ready at any moment to protect the sovereignty, dignity, interests, and security of this holy land, which was founded on the basis of the Holy Word and the two-nation theory.
- PMLN
India blamed Pakistan within 10 minutes of the Pahalgam incident — without any evidence.
Attaullah Tarar
- PMLN
In Pakistan I have often been accused of being a RAW “agent”. In India I am now accused of being a “Havaldar” of ISPR. I guess I can lay claim to being an equal opportunity offender of both establishments!
- Najam Sethi
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"Escalating tensions have pushed the region into uncharted territory and towards a full-blown crisis."
- An opinion in Dawn, 'On the brink, again.’
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