Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States has urged the international community to address the ongoing Kashmir dispute, calling it the “core issue” behind the recent breakdown of relations between Pakistan and India following the deadly Pahalgam attack.
The April 22 assault in Pahalgam resulted in the deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists, marking one of the deadliest attacks in the region since 2000. While India has suggested cross-border involvement without providing evidence, Pakistan has rejected the claims and called for an impartial investigation.
In the wake of the attack, tensions have escalated, with Pakistan reinforcing its military presence in anticipation of potential Indian incursions. India’s leadership has granted “operational freedom” to its forces, further intensifying the situation. Despite the rising tensions, diplomatic channels remain active in an attempt to prevent conflict.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, stated that the Kashmir issue should be addressed as a central element of global peace efforts, suggesting it could become a significant part of President Donald Trump’s legacy. Sheikh emphasized that the dispute is a critical “nuclear flashpoint,” calling on the international community to move beyond temporary solutions and tackle the issue at its core.
“The Kashmir dispute is the core issue that has led to this current situation,” Sheikh said. “It is a nuclear flashpoint, and it is important for world leaders, especially President Trump, to address this with a long-term approach.”
Sheikh had previously urged Trump to help mediate and reduce tensions between Pakistan and India, reminding him of his administration’s focus on global peace. He highlighted that, as a leader committed to peace, there could be no more pressing or volatile flashpoint than Kashmir.
Trump had previously emphasized peace as a key objective during his presidency, and Sheikh referred to his involvement in securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as well as his efforts to mediate in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Sheikh reiterated his call for global support to bring about a lasting resolution to the Kashmir dispute. “In the past, the international community has intervened when tensions have reached a boiling point, only to lose focus before the issue could be fully resolved. This time, it is crucial that we avoid a Band-Aid solution and address the broader issue at hand,” he stated.
The ambassador also warned that any miscalculation could escalate into a nuclear conflict, stressing that such a scenario would be catastrophic for the densely populated region.
“We want peace in the region, but it must be peace with dignity,” Sheikh emphasized, underscoring that Pakistan’s commitment to peace should not be misinterpreted as weakness.
Sheikh criticized India’s premature and inflammatory response to the Pahalgam attack, reiterating Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer to conduct a “neutral and transparent” investigation into the incident. He pointed out that Pakistan’s request for evidence to support India’s allegations had been ignored.
“India started accusing Pakistan within minutes of the attack, even though a proper investigation could not have been conducted in the rugged terrain near the scene,” Sheikh noted, also highlighting the speed with which India filed a post-attack report.
He further criticized the Indian government and media for fueling hysteria, claiming that India’s actions had once again turned the region into a “hostage to the war of hysteria,” with calls for military escalation.
In response to India’s allegations, Sheikh pointed out that the suspects reportedly involved in the attack were Indian nationals, with raids already conducted on their homes. He questioned why India continued to look beyond its borders instead of addressing the “administrative inadequacies” within occupied Kashmir. He also condemned India’s policies in the region, including the alleged settlement of non-residents in Kashmir.
Sheikh also spoke out against India’s recent unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling it a gross violation of international agreements. “The Indus Waters Treaty has withstood wars between India and Pakistan,” he said.
Pakistan’s Law Minister, Azam Nazir Tarar, mentioned that Pakistan’s official response to India’s letters on the IWT would be prepared in consultation with relevant ministries, including foreign affairs, water resources, and law. Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, confirmed that Pakistan would approach international forums, including the World Bank, which brokered the treaty, to address the suspension.
In conclusion, Sheikh stressed the need for a long-term, comprehensive resolution to the Kashmir dispute, calling on the global community to act decisively in preventing further escalation and ensuring lasting peace in the region.
