Senate rejects Indian allegations linking Pakistan to Pahalgam
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The Senate on Friday unanimously passed a strongly-worded resolution rejecting India's allegations that Pakistan was involved in the April 22 attack at Pahalgam in the Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The resolution, moved by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, categorically denounced what it described as "baseless and frivolous" attempts to malign Pakistan. It condemned terrorism in all forms and emphasised that the killing of innocent civilians goes against the core values upheld by the Pakistani nation.
The Senate resolution accused the Indian government of orchestrating a "mala fide campaign" to exploit the issue of terrorism for narrow political purposes. Lawmakers also strongly condemned India's recent unilateral move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a blatant violation that "clearly amounts to an act of war."
The resolution warned that Pakistan remains fully capable and prepared to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, citing the country's "robust and valiant" response to Indian aggression in February 2019 as a precedent. It stressed that any further misadventure by India would be met with a firm, swift, and decisive response.
While reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to peace, the Senate declared that no compromise would be made on national sovereignty, security, and vital interests.
The resolution also called for India to be held accountable for its alleged involvement in acts of terrorism and targeted assassinations on foreign soil, including within Pakistan.
Furthermore, the Senate reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for the Kashmiri people's struggle for self-determination and vowed to continue its moral, political, and diplomatic backing for the cause.
Meanwhile, Addressing the Senate Dar issued a strong response to India's announcement of unilaterally revoking the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a violation of international agreement and a direct threat to the national security of Pakistan.
"Water is the lifeline for 240 million Pakistanis. The Indus Waters Treaty is a crucial, internationally recognized agreement that cannot be terminated by one party alone. Its annulment is only possible through mutual consent," the deputy prime minister added.
He emphasized that the issue of water is tied directly to Pakistan's national security, warning that future wars could be fought over water. "We will not show any leniency on this matter," he said.
Dar also revealed that the National Security Committee had made several key decisions in light of the current situation. Among them was the immediate suspension of all forms of trade with India, including indirect trade via third countries. Furthermore, the Wagah border crossing has been closed with immediate effect.
"Anyone who looks at Pakistan with ill intent will receive a response just like in the past - only stronger and more decisive this time," Dar warned, highlighting that Pakistan has already taken two more countermeasures compared to India.
The foreign minister further disclosed that extensive diplomatic efforts are underway. "Yesterday, 26 foreign ambassadors were briefed on the situation. More briefings are scheduled for today," he added, noting that Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister is expected to speak with him later in the evening.
In response to rising regional tensions, Dar announced that all Indian nationals currently in Pakistan under the SAARC visa exemption must leave the country within 48 hours.
He thanked opposition parties for their unified stance against India's recent aggression, praising national unity as Pakistan's real strength. "Political leadership has given a clear message to the enemy: there will be no compromise on the defense of our homeland."
Referring to the recent Pahalgam incident, Dar noted that India had not directly accused Pakistan nor provided any evidence linking the country to the event.
He also criticized India for hindering regional progress. "SAARC wants development, but one country's stubbornness holds the entire region back," he said.
Concluding his address, Dar assured the nation that Pakistan's armed forces are fully prepared to defend the country and that the government stands united in its response to any threat.
Senator Sherry Rehman also spoke during the Senate hearing. "I have said in this house before that it was Modi's wish in his first term to weaponise water and engage in water terrorism," said Rehman, a former climate change minister.
"The treaty that has survived every war and remained untouched throughout every war; but now they want to weaponise this and we won't allow it."
She highlighted that peace is the best option for everyone saying, "we are not in the era of World War II, but if that's what they want to revive, no one will step back.
"We won't still beg them to talk about peace, because we have done so enough times previously," she said to much applause from fellow senators.
"We are one Pakistan, we are a united Pakistan, and no one will bring us to a war without decisive, firm, speedy and very clear action."
Rehman pointed out that if a serving military officer was caught spying in India, there would have been commotion and chaos from India.
"You tested it out [after] Pulwama. Had Pakistan's tea. We still have water. We will mix it with milk and serve you tea," she said in a light-hearted reference to captured Indian pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman praising the Pakistan Army in a video while holding a cup of tea.
Rehman, however, warned India to remember that PPP founder and former prime minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto made Pakistan a nuclear nation before it engaged in "any more misadventure and theatricals.
"We did not militarise this region did, you did. Even today, your military formations stand against Pakistan. The majority of your military formations are against Pakistan," she said.
"You have an obsession with Pakistan. We certainly do not have any obsession with you," Rehman said to applause.
"We say that we are peaceful. Even right now, instead of de-escalating, you are taking irresponsible actions. You are putting your people at risk.
"These are two nuclear nations, with no risk reduction measures left. Do you want to go to war? This is an act of war. Pakistan does not like to go to war.
"But when we do, when we are provoked, we will not be losing anything to them. I am very clear," she said.
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