Khawaja Muhammad Asif's appeal comes amidst growing tensions with India over a deadly attack that has escalated the regional conflict over Kashmir.
Pakistan's Defense Minister Calls for International Probe Following Kashmir Attack
Pakistan's Defense Minister Calls for International Probe Following Kashmir Attack
In a sharp turnaround of diplomatic relations, Pakistan's leader seeks global oversight after tragic violence in disputed territory.
In a strong statement on Friday, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif declared his country's innocence in a terror attack that led to the tragic deaths of 26 individuals in the fiercely contested Kashmir region. Asif emphasized the need for an international investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack, which took place on Tuesday near Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Indian-administered Kashmir.
This incident is noted as one of the most devastating attacks in recent years in the region, and Asif's comments appear aimed at easing escalating tensions with India. He asserted, “We are ready to cooperate with any investigation conducted by international inspectors,” as calls for accountability emerge following the assault, which targeted a group of tourists.
In retaliation for the attack, India has swiftly enacted measures including blocking key border crossings with Pakistan and halting a critical water-sharing agreement. Indian authorities have suggested that at least two Pakistani nationals may be linked to the militants responsible for the attack.
Asif dismissed these allegations as baseless and criticized India for using the attack as a means to justify punitive actions against Pakistan without "any proof or investigation." He also highlighted concerns among Pakistani officials regarding India’s intentions, suggesting that the Indian government is leveraging this incident for political advantage domestically.
With tensions mounting, there have been reports of Pakistani officials seeking intervention from the Trump administration to mediate the developing situation, raising the stakes in the long-standing dispute over the strategic and culturally rich region of Kashmir. The call for international oversight reflects a broader effort to mitigate violence and foster dialogue between the neighboring countries as they navigate this crisis.
