The deadly attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, on April 20, 2025, has raised many questions, particularly regarding Pakistan’s involvement. The attack, which resulted in 26 deaths, including two foreign nationals, and 11 injuries, has shocked the nation. The terror outfit, The Resistance Front (TRF), claimed responsibility for the attack. The TRF is considered to be an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a terror group known for its operations in the region.
The TRF’s statement: what does it reveal?
In a statement following the attack, the TRF expressed its discontent over the settlement of over 85,000 outsiders in the Kashmir region, which it claims has led to a “demographic change.” They also accused both local and non-local people of being involved in “illegal projects” and warned them against such activities. While the TRF claimed responsibility for the attack, many believe that Pakistan’s involvement is likely, given the group’s links to LeT, a Pakistan-based militant organization.
The timing of the attack: Why is it significant?
The timing of the attack is notable for several reasons. The attack took place just as US Vice President JD Vance was visiting India, leading some to speculate about the motive behind the attack. Historically, similar terror attacks have occurred during significant visits by US dignitaries to India. For example, in 2000, Pakistan orchestrated a terror attack in Kashmir just a day before then-President Bill Clinton’s visit. A similar attack in 2002 occurred while US officials were in India, further fueling suspicions of Pakistan’s involvement in such timed attacks.
Adding fuel to the speculation of Pakistan’s involvement, recent comments by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir have raised concerns. In a speech, Munir referred to Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding stance on Kashmir. His remarks emphasized the historical and religious significance of Kashmir to Pakistan, which could have potentially encouraged militant actions in the region.
Indian authorities have closely examined these remarks, with some experts linking them to the timing of the Pahalgam attack. Munir’s speech, which emphasized a narrative of separation from India and a continued struggle for Kashmir, could have spurred groups like TRF and LeT to act.
As is often the case, Pakistan’s official response has been to deny any involvement in the attack. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif dismissed Pakistan’s connection to the Pahalgam incident, claiming that such attacks are the result of “homegrown” forces in India. He suggested that internal revolts, particularly by marginalized communities in India, were the primary drivers of such violence. Asif also made sweeping claims about India’s domestic policies, which he alleged were the cause of these revolts. He rejected the idea that Pakistan had any hand in these attacks.
Experts weigh in: is Pakistan behind the attack?
Despite Pakistan’s official denial, experts point to the TRF’s ties to LeT, a Pakistan-based terror group, as a clear indicator of Pakistan’s involvement. Indian security officials have pointed to the participation of foreign militants in the attack and speculated that Pakistan, through its military and terror proxies, could have played a significant role.
Some security analysts suggest that the attack was strategically timed to target Kashmir’s booming tourism industry, a sector that has seen significant growth in recent years. The violence, particularly against tourists, is seen as an attempt to disrupt the peace and stability in the region, which Pakistan has consistently tried to undermine.
A growing threat: foreign militants in Kashmir
The presence of foreign militants in Kashmir has been a major concern for Indian authorities. According to reports, at least 56 foreign terrorists are operating in Jammu and Kashmir, with many from LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). These groups, backed by Pakistan, have long been a destabilizing force in the region, and their continued presence further fuels suspicions that Pakistan is behind the latest attack.
Tehmeena Rizvi, a Senior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), stated that the attack was likely a “massacre planned in frustration” by Pakistan, aimed at disrupting the peace in Kashmir and gaining international attention. Lt Gen KJS Dhillon (Retd), former GOC of 15 Corps, also pointed to the timing of the attack, suggesting it was intended to coincide with high-profile visits and shift global focus towards Kashmir’s instability.
Pakistan’s long history of proxy terrorism
The attack in Pahalgam fits into Pakistan’s broader strategy of “deep-state terrorism.” Pakistan has long used terror groups as proxies to destabilize Kashmir and other regions in India. The coordinated nature of the attack, the targeting of civilians, and the involvement of foreign militants all point to a well-planned operation likely backed by elements within Pakistan.
The Pahalgam terror attack raises serious questions about Pakistan’s involvement in regional instability. While Pakistan continues to deny any role, the evidence linking terror groups operating out of Pakistan to such incidents is overwhelming. As Kashmir continues to be a focal point of conflict, the international community must to hold Pakistan accountable for its role in perpetuating violence in the region.
