Pahalgam Attack: Nawaz Sharif Advises PM Shahbaz to Ease Tensions Diplomatically Amid India’s Strict Measures
Following the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, the political atmosphere between India and Pakistan has grown extremely tense. Amid escalating tensions and India’s strict retaliatory measures, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif sought counsel from his elder brother and former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif. In a crucial meeting, Nawaz Sharif advised Shahbaz to prioritize diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation rather than resorting to aggressive postures.
According to sources, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited Nawaz Sharif’s residence on Sunday to discuss the crisis in detail. During the meeting, Shahbaz briefed his elder brother about the strict sanctions that India has imposed in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, including the suspension of the historic Indus Water Treaty. He also updated Nawaz about the resolutions and strategies discussed during the meeting of Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC). Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who was also present, contributed to the discussions on the nation’s response and preparations for any potential escalation.
Despite growing internal pressures and calls for a strong response, Nawaz Sharif advised restraint. He emphasized that the government must use every possible diplomatic channel to reduce tensions and avoid pushing the region towards further instability. Nawaz suggested that Pakistan’s focus should be on restoring peace through diplomatic negotiations, stressing that while national security must be protected, peace efforts must not be sidelined.
Fear Behind the Aggression: Pakistan’s Dual Strategy
Although Pakistan’s public rhetoric has been aggressive, including threats of potential military action, insiders suggest that there is considerable fear within the Pakistani leadership regarding India’s firm stance. The swift and uncompromising steps taken by New Delhi have left Pakistan in a precarious position, prompting leaders like Nawaz Sharif to advocate for a more cautious and diplomatic approach to crisis management.
Shahbaz Sharif reportedly told Nawaz that the attack in Pahalgam was allegedly orchestrated by Indian elements themselves to destabilize the region. Furthermore, he pointed out that India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty — a key agreement between the two nations — has significantly heightened the threat of a wider conflict in South Asia. Despite these accusations, Shahbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace but also underlined that the country would not compromise when it comes to defending its sovereignty and security.
Nawaz Sharif, known for his relatively moderate stance on India-Pakistan relations during his tenure, reiterated that escalating the situation would only lead to further isolation of Pakistan on the global stage. He insisted that diplomatic tools must be the first and foremost option to bring back normalcy.
Pakistan Calls for International Investigation
Meanwhile, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has publicly called for an international investigation into the Pahalgam attack. In a statement, Asif suggested that powerful global players such as China, Russia, and even Western nations should be involved in an impartial investigation to determine the true perpetrators behind the tragic event. He proposed that an international inquiry team be constituted to verify whether India’s claims about Pakistan’s involvement hold any merit.
The Defense Minister expressed hope that the inclusion of neutral global powers in the investigation would not only bring out the truth but could also prevent the crisis from escalating into a full-blown war. He emphasized that such an approach would lend credibility to the findings and ensure transparency.
India Tightens the Noose Around Pakistan
India, on the other hand, continues to hold Pakistan responsible for the brutal terrorist attack. In strong retaliatory actions, New Delhi has not only imposed severe sanctions but also suspended key agreements like the Indus Water Treaty. Additionally, diplomatic ties have been downgraded significantly. India has asked Pakistan’s High Commissioner to leave the country within a week, further straining already fragile relations.
In response to these measures, Pakistan has shut its airspace to Indian aircraft, signaling the depth of the diplomatic fallout.
The Pahalgam Attack: A Grim Tragedy
The terror attack that triggered this crisis occurred on April 22, when terrorists affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF) — a proxy group of Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba — opened fire on innocent civilians in the popular tourist town of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The brutal assault claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists, leaving the entire nation in shock and grief.
Following the attack, the Indian government wasted no time in taking decisive actions. Apart from diplomatic sanctions, the Indian Army has been placed on high alert along the border to prevent any further provocations.
The situation remains volatile, with both nations mobilizing their diplomatic and military resources. While Pakistan’s internal discussions hint at a preference for diplomatic solutions, much will depend on how events unfold in the coming days and whether cooler heads prevail on both sides.
