In the aftermath of the recent attack in Pahalgam, India has once again resorted to its familiar pattern of blaming Pakistan without offering a shred of credible evidence. This knee-jerk reaction, instead of contributing to clarity and justice, has only deepened mistrust and heightened tensions between the two neighbors. Pakistan, rejecting these baseless allegations outright, has called for an impartial, transparent international investigation under the supervision of the United Nations, with the participation of key global powers such as the United States, China, and Turkey.
This demand for a neutral probe is not just a defensive response—it is a proactive effort to prevent the truth from being overshadowed by propaganda and to ensure that the incident is investigated with integrity, free from political manipulation. In an environment where accusations of terrorism are routinely weaponized for domestic and international gains, Pakistan’s call for third-party oversight reflects a principled stance committed to transparency, accountability, and peace.
India’s immediate accusations following the Pahalgam incident are hardly surprising. In recent years, Indian officials and media outlets have established a pattern: as soon as a terrorist attack occurs, blame is swiftly placed on Pakistan, often before any investigation has even begun. This reflexive response has allowed New Delhi to shape the narrative both domestically and internationally, presenting itself as a victim of cross-border terrorism while painting Pakistan as a perpetual sponsor of violence. Yet, a closer examination of past cases reveals that many such allegations have later collapsed under scrutiny. From the Samjhauta Express bombing to the 2019 Pulwama attack, independent analyses and even internal Indian investigations have uncovered inconsistencies, fabricated evidence, or entirely different perpetrators. Despite this, the Indian government has consistently relied on premature accusations as a political tool to deflect criticism, rally nationalist sentiments, and isolate Pakistan diplomatically.
The stakes extend far beyond Pakistan and India. When terrorism allegations are politicized, they undermine global counterterrorism efforts by eroding trust, diverting resources, and complicating international cooperation. False accusations not only harm bilateral relations but also set dangerous precedents for how states manipulate narratives for domestic or geopolitical gains. A neutral investigation led by reputable international actors like the United States, China, and Turkey would introduce much-needed credibility to the fact-finding process. Each of these countries maintains significant diplomatic, economic, and strategic interests in South Asia; their participation would ensure that no single party can dominate the process or suppress inconvenient truths. Moreover, the involvement of the United Nations as an overseeing body would lend institutional legitimacy to the inquiry. The UN’s history of conducting fact-finding missions in conflict zones underscores its capacity to manage sensitive investigations with impartiality and professionalism.
Pakistan’s proposal also aims to disrupt India’s media-driven propaganda machine. Over the years, Indian mainstream and social media have played a critical role in amplifying government narratives, often blurring the line between reporting and state-sponsored messaging. Accusations against Pakistan are frequently broadcast without scrutiny, creating a hostile public mood that pressures policymakers to adopt hardline stances. An impartial international investigation would bypass these domestic distortions, focusing instead on verifiable facts. This not only serves Pakistan’s interest in clearing its name but also offers Indian civil society an opportunity to question and challenge the government’s habitual reliance on unsubstantiated claims. In a region already fraught with mistrust, such transparency is essential for reducing the risk of miscalculation and escalation.
Beyond the pursuit of truth, Pakistan’s call for a neutral probe is driven by an urgent need to prevent further escalation. History shows that unverified claims and retaliatory rhetoric between nuclear-armed neighbors can quickly spiral into dangerous standoffs. The 2019 Balakot crisis, where India launched airstrikes inside Pakistan following the Pulwama attack, is a stark reminder of how false narratives can lead to brinkmanship. A neutral investigation would provide a mechanism for de-escalation by shifting the focus from mutual recriminations to objective fact-finding. Instead of retaliating tit-for-tat in the media or militarily, both countries would have an independent process to determine responsibility, reducing the temptation to act on flawed assumptions or political pressures.
The Pahalgam attack represents more than a tragic act of violence—it is a critical test for South Asia’s fragile peace. By calling for an international investigation involving the U.S., China, Turkey, and the United Nations, Pakistan is charting a path toward transparency, accountability, and de-escalation. The international community must seize this opportunity to support an impartial process that prioritizes truth over propaganda. In doing so, global powers can help prevent the weaponization of terrorism allegations, promote regional stability, and ensure that facts are not buried beneath political expediency.