External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has strongly criticized Pakistan’s leadership, specifically naming Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, for what he described as an “extreme religious outlook” following a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region.
In an interview with Dutch news broadcaster NOS, Jaishankar said the horrific attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians—most of them tourists—was orchestrated by Pakistan-backed terrorists who deliberately targeted victims based on their religion.”Twenty-six people were murdered in front of their families after ascertaining their faith. To create religious discord, deliberately an element of religion was introduced,” he told NOS.
The statement comes in the wake of rising tensions between India and Pakistan, as the Pahalgam attack sparked nationwide outrage and international concern. The victims, according to Indian officials, were identified as Hindu civilians, reinforcing claims that the assault was premeditated with communal motives.
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The Indian government has repeatedly called out Pakistan for harboring terrorist networks and promoting cross-border terrorism. However, Jaishankar’s direct reference to the ideological disposition of Pakistan’s top military leadership marks a significant escalation in rhetoric.
By attributing the radicalization to “an extreme religious outlook” held by General Munir and others in Pakistan’s power structure, Jaishankar underscored the ideological motivation behind recent terror activities emanating from across the border.
This latest development is likely to strain diplomatic relations further, even as India continues to garner international support for its anti-terror stance.
