Sat Apr 26 02:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Demands International Probe After Pulwama-like Attack in Pahalgham, India Blames Pakistan-Based Terrorists
**SRINAGAR/ISLAMABAD** – Following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgham, Kashmir, that killed 26 tourists, Pakistan has called for an international investigation and asserted its military’s readiness to defend its sovereignty. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, while offering cooperation in a “fair, transparent, and credible” investigation, stated that the Pakistani armed forces are prepared to counter any aggression. This echoes a similar response following a similar incident in February 2019. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif further reiterated the call for an international probe in an interview with the New York Times, also alleging India is using the attack for political gain and to suspend water agreements.
India, however, directly blames Pakistan-based terrorist groups for the attack, providing foreign leaders with technical and human intelligence, eyewitness accounts, and electronic signals implicating the perpetrators. India claims the group responsible, Kashmir Resistance, has direct links to Pakistan-based banned organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, and that the attackers have been identified as having links to Pakistan and prior involvement in terrorist activities. India has briefed over 30 diplomats in Delhi and contacted leaders from 13 countries, emphasizing the safety of tourists in India despite the incident and suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. In response, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian flights.
Pakistan refutes these allegations, claiming Lashkar-e-Taiba is inactive and its remaining members are either under arrest or in police custody. The international community has responded with several world leaders contacting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express support and condemnation. While some countries like the US and UK have issued travel advisories, India has assured the international community that the country remains safe for tourists. India continues diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan on international platforms, maintaining they possess sufficient evidence to hold Pakistan accountable for the attack. The international community’s role now becomes crucial amidst Pakistan’s offer of cooperation and India’s firm stance.
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