Pahalgam attack: ex-US diplomat slams India's allegation on Pakistan as 'absurd'

Former US assistant secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Ambassador Robin Raphel backed Prime Minister Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif’s suggestion for an international investigation into the Pahalgam attack. She declared Indian allegations “absurd”, emphasising the need to understand the root causes of such “insurgencies.”

Speaking at a Harvard conference on escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, Raphel described the situation as a repetition of familiar patterns of regional hostility, stating, “Well I think this is not the first time, we all have witnessed these kinds of tensions between India and Pakistan followed by regional violence, It feels like watching the same movie again.” 

Read: Tensions remain high on LoC as Pakistan, India trade fire for fifth consecutive night

“But I think it’s time for the international community, and the people of India and Pakistan, to tell their leaders that it's enough already.” 

Raphel emphasised that the situation has reached the point where both countries should address the underlying causes of insurgencies, adding, “Indian and Pakistani leadership should come together, identify the problems fueling dissatisfaction, and work toward real solutions.”

Regarding the proposal of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that asks for a neutral investigation of the attack, she said, “I think it’s an excellent proposal, I mean […] it is absolutely absurd for any party to say five minutes after the incident, that they know who did it.” 

Former US Deputy Secretary of State for South Asia further said, “It is always important to have facts, and I hope the US government will support such proposals.” 

Read: Indian authorities arrest 25 Muslims for raising questions on Pahalgam incident

Following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam town of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where 26 tourists were killed, India announced the immediate suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23.

Citing a perceived link to Pakistan, India ordered Pakistani citizens to leave within 48 hours, closed the Wagah border, recalled its military attaché from Islamabad, and reduced its diplomatic staff in Pakistan. 

In response, Pakistan's National Security Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, rejected India's move on April 24, warning that any aggression would be met with a strong response and that withholding water would be considered a declaration of war.