Pakistan Deputy PM Ishaq Dar calls Pahalgam attackers ‘freedom fighters’
Pakistan Deputy PM Ishaq Dar Labels Pahalgam Attackers as ‘Freedom Fighters’ Amid Rising Indo-Pak Tensions
April 25, 2025 | New Delhi/Islamabad
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, made a controversial statement. He called the Pahalgam attackers “freedom fighters.” His remarks have further strained India-Pakistan relations.
The attack took place on April 22 in Pahalgam, a tourist town in Indian-administered Kashmir. It killed 26 civilians. Among the dead were 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali tourist.
The Pahalgam Attack: A Brief Overview
The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility for the attack. Indian authorities believe TRF is a proxy of the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The attackers targeted a group of tourists. It was one of the deadliest civilian attacks in the region since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Ishaq Dar’s Controversial Remarks
At a press conference in Islamabad, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar made a bold statement. He said, “The individuals involved in the Pahalgam incident are freedom fighters striving for the liberation of Kashmir from Indian occupation.” He stressed Pakistan’s long-held stance on the Kashmir issue, said the people of the region have the right to self-determination under United Nations resolutions.
India’s Response
The Ministry of External Affairs released a statement saying, “Equating terrorists with freedom fighters is not only a distortion of facts but also an endorsement of violence against innocent civilians.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, stating, “We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible for this heinous act are held accountable.”
Escalating Diplomatic Tensions
In the aftermath of the attack and subsequent statements, both nations have taken retaliatory diplomatic measures. India has revoked visas for Pakistani nationals, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty—a key water-sharing agreement between the two countries. Pakistan, in response, has closed its airspace to Indian flights and suspended all bilateral treaties, including the 1972 Simla Agreement.
International Reactions
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions. The United Nations urged both countries to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to prevent further deterioration of relations. Several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and China, have condemned the Pahalgam attack and called for a thorough investigation.
Historical Context
Pakistan’s characterization of militants in Kashmir as “freedom fighters” is not new. In 2015, former President Pervez Musharraf made similar remarks, stating that groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad were fighting for the liberation of Kashmir. India has consistently rejected such narratives, emphasizing that these groups are involved in terrorist activities that undermine regional stability.
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar’s recent comments have added fuel to the fire in an already volatile situation. As both nations engage in diplomatic tit-for-tat, the risk of further escalation looms large. The international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation and a return to dialogue.
Read More: https://newstapone.com/2025/04/25/india-pakistan-tensions-escalate-after-deadly-kashmir-attack/
