A Human Tragedy, Not a Religious War
The brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, that killed 26 people and injured dozens more, is a tragedy that demands justice. As Pakistanis, we stand in solidarity with the victims and condemn all forms of violence against civilians, regardless of who commits it or where it takes place.
But what followed this horrific incident is equally tragic — the swift rise of anti-Muslim sentiment across India, further straining the already tense relationship between our nations and deepening divides within Indian society itself.
Terrorism Is Not a Faith — It’s a Crime
Across Indian news media and social platforms, we’ve witnessed an alarming trend: entire communities being blamed for the actions of a few. Once again, Indian Muslims are being collectively vilified, with irresponsible voices accusing them of harboring terrorist sympathies simply because they share the same faith as the attackers.
This is not justice.
This is not counter-terrorism.
This is communal scapegoating.
The attackers didn’t represent Islam — they represented hatred. And to equate a faith followed by nearly 200 million Indian Muslims (and 2 billion globally) with terrorism is not only factually wrong, it is morally corrupt.
Pakistan: A Convenient Villain?
India’s decision to expel Pakistani diplomats, revoke visas, and suspend the Indus Waters Treaty was done in a moment of grief, but it dangerously escalates tensions between two nuclear-armed neighbors. More importantly, it deflects attention from a vital question:
Why do such attacks keep happening in a region with one of the world’s highest military presences?
Rather than introspect and address the internal fault lines of Kashmir, India often finds it easier to point fingers at Pakistan — even when no credible evidence has been presented.
Pakistan has categorically condemned the Pahalgam attack. The people of Pakistan do not support terrorism — we are victims of it too. Thousands of Pakistanis have lost lives in terror attacks over the last two decades. We understand the pain of innocent lives lost.
The Bigger Threat: Communal Division
By using this tragedy to fuel hatred against Muslims, India risks normalizing Islamophobia and marginalizing one of its largest minorities. This isn’t just unjust — it’s dangerous.
When innocent Muslim citizens are asked to prove their patriotism…
When children are bullied in schools for their names…
When entire towns are profiled…
…terrorism wins.
Not because of the blast.
But because it divided us.
What South Asia Needs Now: Justice & Dialogue
As a responsible neighbor, Pakistan urges the international community to:
- Condemn the attack, but also condemn communal hate.
- Call for transparency in investigations — not assumptions.
- Encourage bilateral dialogue, not warmongering.
If we are to move toward peace in South Asia, we must separate acts of terror from faith, criminals from communities, and grief from hate.
The Pahalgam attack is a tragedy — and we pray for the victims and their families. But the aftermath must not become an excuse for discrimination or war rhetoric.
This is a time for both countries to show maturity, uphold the principles of justice, and protect the innocent — regardless of religion or nationality.
Because when we blame an entire community, we’re not fighting terrorism — we’re feeding it.