Islamabad, Pakistan – Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has made a strong statement concerning the controversial Pahalgam incident, urging an impartial investigation and expressing serious doubts about India’s version of the event. Addressing media representatives, Rana Sanaullah emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peace and transparency, while simultaneously accusing India of using the incident to push forward its “nefarious objectives.”
Background: What Happened in Pahalgam?
The Pahalgam incident, which reportedly occurred in Indian-administered Kashmir, has stirred political and diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan once again. While the Indian government has claimed that the event was a security threat allegedly involving Pakistan-linked elements, Pakistan has vehemently denied any involvement.
Pahalgam, a picturesque town in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, has often found itself in the middle of geopolitical disputes. Though the Indian authorities have provided limited public details on the nature of the incident, the swift attribution of blame to Pakistan has raised alarm in Islamabad.
Pakistan’s Response: Ready for Joint or Third-Party Investigation
Rana Sanaullah, a senior political figure and a trusted advisor to the Prime Minister, expressed Pakistan’s openness to an independent and transparent investigation into the Pahalgam incident. He stated:
“We are ready for an impartial investigation. If India wants a joint inquiry, we are fully prepared for it. We also propose that a third-party, internationally recognized neutral expert should lead the investigation.”
This statement reinforces Pakistan’s long-standing stance of resolving disputes through diplomatic channels and multilateral frameworks.
India’s Hostile Stance and Denial of Pakistan’s Existence
In his press talk, Rana Sanaullah criticized India’s consistent refusal to acknowledge Pakistan as a legitimate stakeholder in Kashmir-related matters.
“India does not even recognize the existence of Pakistan when it comes to Kashmir. Their unilateral actions and accusatory behavior are part of a broader strategy to marginalize Pakistan’s role,” he added.
The comment reflects Pakistan’s concerns over India’s unwillingness to engage in meaningful dialogue over Kashmir, a region that both nations claim in full but control in parts.
Accusations of a Politically Motivated Narrative
Sanaullah further alleged that India is using the Pahalgam incident to serve its own political and strategic goals. According to him, the manner in which Indian media and officials quickly blamed Pakistan raises suspicions of pre-planning and manipulation.
“India wants to achieve its nefarious objectives by portraying Pakistan in a negative light. This is not the first time India has tried to divert international attention from its own human rights violations in occupied Kashmir by blaming Pakistan.”
These remarks echo previous claims by Pakistani officials that India often uses incidents in Kashmir to justify its military actions and restrict civil liberties in the region.
Bringing the Issue to International Forums: UN Involvement Suggested
Rana Sanaullah mentioned that Pakistan is considering raising the Pahalgam issue at the United Nations and other international forums to demand transparency and accountability.
“We may take this issue to the United Nations. The situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir is deteriorating due to the heavy-handedness of Indian security forces.”
Pakistan has repeatedly approached the UN in the past to highlight alleged human rights abuses by Indian forces in Kashmir and to advocate for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, as guaranteed under several UN Security Council resolutions.
Suspension of the Indus Water Treaty: A Provocative Step
Another alarming development mentioned by Sanaullah was India’s reported suspension of the Indus Water Treaty following the Pahalgam incident. He termed this move as dangerous and provocative.
“After the Pahalgam incident, India was quick to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, a decades-old agreement facilitated by the World Bank. This is an alarming escalation and shows India’s unwillingness to abide by international treaties.”
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, is considered one of the most successful water-sharing agreements in the world. Its disruption could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and environmental sustainability.
Doubts Over India’s Reporting of the Incident
The Advisor on Political Affairs voiced skepticism over the accuracy of Indian reporting on the Pahalgam incident. He stressed that India’s version of events lacked transparency and raised more questions than answers.
“We have serious doubts about the way India is presenting the incident. There is no independent verification, and everything is being controlled by Indian state agencies.”
Such statements suggest that Pakistan is pushing for international observers or third-party verification to uncover the truth.
Kashmir Freedom Movement Cannot Be Suppressed
Sanaullah also reiterated that India’s military presence and aggressive policies in occupied Kashmir have failed to quell the freedom movement. He emphasized that the Kashmiri people have a legitimate struggle and that no amount of force can crush their aspirations.
“Despite all tactics by the occupying Indian army, the freedom movement continues. The people of Kashmir are determined to achieve their right to self-determination.”
This narrative aligns with Pakistan’s official policy of supporting the Kashmiri cause through diplomatic, political, and moral means.
Call for a Neutral Expert Inquiry
In order to ensure that the truth about the Pahalgam incident is brought to light, Rana Sanaullah proposed the appointment of a neutral, internationally recognized expert or committee.
“An international expert or commission should investigate the incident. Only then can the world know what truly happened in Pahalgam.”
This proposal is likely to resonate with international human rights organizations that have repeatedly called for transparency and third-party investigations into Kashmir-related incidents.
India’s Actions Threatening Regional Peace and Security
The Advisor warned that India’s aggressive posture and internal political motivations are destabilizing South Asia. He accused the Indian government of leveraging such incidents to fan ultra-nationalist sentiments and silence dissent in Kashmir.
“India’s approach is dangerous for the entire region. It is playing with fire by attempting to isolate Pakistan and escalate tensions on false pretenses.”
With both countries possessing nuclear capabilities, any escalation—military or diplomatic—can have catastrophic consequences.
Conclusion: Time for Truth, Transparency, and Accountability
Rana Sanaullah’s bold statements underscore Pakistan’s demand for a fair and independent investigation into the Pahalgam incident. He called on the international community to take notice of India’s unilateral actions, the repression of Kashmiris, and the potential risks to regional stability.
While the situation remains tense, Pakistan’s official stance, as articulated by Rana Sanaullah, highlights a desire for peaceful resolution, international cooperation, and adherence to legal and diplomatic norms.
