Pakistan’s Deputy PM Labels Pahalgam Attackers as ‘Freedom Fighters’, Escalating Diplomatic Tensions

In the aftermath of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, predominantly tourists, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, referred to the assailants as “freedom fighters.” With India attributing the attack to The Resistance Front (TRF), a branch of the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), this declaration has heightened diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan.

Related topic: Pahalgam Massacre: 28 Tourists Killed in Kashmir’s Deadliest Civilian Attack Since 2019

India has responded to the incident by enacting the following actions:

• Diplomatic Actions: India withdrew its military advisers from Islamabad and cut diplomatic relations with Pakistan, ejecting Pakistani military attachés.
• Indus Waters Treaty Suspension: Citing Pakistan’s suspected support for cross-border terrorism, India revoked the Indus Waters Treaty, a vital water-sharing agreement.
• Visa and Travel Restrictions: Every visa given to Pakistani nationals was revoked; those residing in India were told to leave before their visas expired. Closed also was the Wagah-Attari border crossing.

Related Topic: India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

Declaring the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as an “act of war” and warning of dire repercussions, Pakistan has denounced India’s actions. Pakistan also put all bilateral agreements—including the Simla Agreement—in abeyance, restricted its airspace to Indian planes, and banned commerce.

Since the Mumbai attacks in 2008, the Pahalgam attack was the worst one in the region. Attacked visitors, gunmen in the Baisaran Valley claimed credit. The incident has led to increased security measures and a significant diplomatic crisis between the two nations.