Pahalgam attack and the resurfacing of Kashmir conflict

On May 16, 2025, South Asia Times (SAT) hosted an engaging Twitter Space session, “Pahalgam Attack and the Resurfacing of Kashmir Conflict in International Discourse”. The session featured perspectives from filmmaker and lawyer Aisha Ghazi and Muzammil Ayub Thakur, a political activist and founder of World Kashmir Freedom Movement and Salman Javed, Director General South Asia Times and a defense analyst. This session delved into the out turn of Pahalgam attack on Kashmir movement, its implications for the people of Kashmir, and the diplomatic road ahead for Pakistan as a state alongside every other organization giving its heart heart and soul to seek to assuage the plight of Kashmiris.

Salman Javed:

•⁠ ⁠He started by drawing everybody’s attention towards the long held and abandoned struggle of Kashmiris who are historically deserted and ignored by the world even in the times of extreme oppression and brutality in 2019 when India stripped the special status away from the land of Kashmir. Despite intense oppression, Kashmiris remain resilient and did not surrender their rights to India.

•⁠ ⁠In this context he considered this attack as a“blessing in disguise” for the people of Kashmir and for all those who were working for this cause for so many years. He highlighted that Pahalgam happened at a time of extreme despair when Kahmir movement seemed to get dormant, but after this attack, the world saw a renewed wave of discussions and engagements about the Kashmir cause.

•⁠ ⁠He expressed satisfaction at the recent surge of support from Pakistan and the Muslim world, with nations like Turkey and Azerbaijan taking strong positions and Saudi Arabia and Iran reportedly attempting mediation, which drew criticism from right-wing Indian media. Acknowledging the contributions of media coverage by outlets such as Al Jazeera and TRT, he pointed to the widespread support from the global Muslim community online.

•⁠ ⁠Not only this, he accented upon the naming of operations by both sides which a religious significance. While talking about this religious incorporation from Pakistan, he expressed his dismal upon a very unfortunate footing of attacks on Pakistan from Afghan soil by groups like ISKP and TTP.

•⁠ ⁠While talking about his concern towards Afghanistan in this situation, he didn’t forget to mention a letter from former Afghan PM Gulbuddin who likened Kashmir to Palestine and warned of India’s regional ambitions and potential use of Afghanistan against Pakistan.

•⁠ ⁠Along welcoming the shift in Kashmir cause he also emphasized the crucial need to maintain this momentum and actively support the Kashmir cause.

Muzammil Ayub Thakur:

•⁠ ⁠Upon a question about the feeling of common Kashmiris after this attack he placidly replied, “kashmir and pakistan are not two different people, kashmiris are as much as pakistanis as someone living in lahore or karachi,” emphasizing that “this cause is of Pakistan and not of Kashmiris alone.”

•⁠ ⁠The Pakistani military’s actions are seen as being for the people of Kashmir, with the DG ISPR’s statement, “No peace without the resolutuon of kashmir dispute according to the will of people,” being well-received. As someone whose whole family hails from (IIOJK), he explained that the people there are living under the barrel of gun and debunked the face of forced pro-India rallies which can be seen across the world.

•⁠ ⁠Acknowledging the ebb and flow of resistance movements and the losses of key leaders, he noted a void that should have been filled. He, however, view the Pahalgam incident as a turning point, demonstrating that “pakistan can give them a bloody nose,” contradicting previous perceptions that “we were made to believe that we are weak.” He praised the global narrative shift, partly driven by Pakistani online humor, even resonated with non-Muslims and told the truth to the world about a humbled and humiliated India.

•⁠ ⁠Muzammil believed that “we are at an opportune moment,” urging the need to “capitalize it” and avoid repeating lost opportunities from the past. He speaker strongly advocated for capitalizing on this moment to “legitimise the armed resistance” invoking UN resolutions and utilizing Western platforms.

•⁠ ⁠The speaker warned that inaction by Pakistan would be seen as a betrayal and reiterated that Pakistan needs to “Strengthen the spine , utilise resources, and do what is right, the goal is the resolution of kashmir.” Under his profound love for Kahmiris he concluded by noting the renewed but fragile hope among Kashmiris after the events, urging Pakistan to play its role to save its own people of Kashmir who are living in one of the highest militarized zones of the world.

Ayesha Ghazi:

•⁠ ⁠Being a strong observer of the events she asserted that Pakistan has emerged victorious both ideologically and militarily, overcoming a previously prevalent negative narrative about India’s advancements. She believed India miscalculated, even noting Modi consistently spoke about Azad Kashmir and had clear timelines, never forgetting the issue. While mentioning the dashed aspirations of Modi governemnt she credited Modi for himself bringing Kashmir to the forefront of global discussion once again.

•⁠ ⁠She recalled Quaid-e-Azam’s statement about Kashmir being Pakistan’s jugular vein, which she reiterated as a rational and strategic matter of survival for Pak. Not only this, she specifically highlighted India’s threats regarding water.

•⁠ ⁠She argued that India was the primary beneficiary of 9/11 in the region, with RSS and similar organizations using it to justify anti-Muslim actions. While the world has moved on, India remains fixated on this narrative, attempting to link Pakistani figures to terrorism and labeling them with derogatory terms, despite simultaneously engaging with the Taliban. Her words also noted the Taliban’s contradictory stance, falsely portraying Pakistan as an Israeli ally while supporting India, an open ally of Israel.

•⁠ ⁠Ayesha emphasized Pakistan’s responsibility to keep Kashmir in the media spotlight, portraying India’s actions as implementing an Israeli-like model akin to Gaza, albeit on a different scale. He concludes by stating that the onus is now on Pakistan.

Carin Jodha:

•⁠ ⁠While not being at discussion panel, Carin who is a German American having a strong association with the land of Kashmir, she wholeheartedly shared her views by highlighting a renewed focus on the region by North American think tanks. She asserted that Pakistan is not obligated to prove its non-involvement in the Pahalgam incident, placing the burden of proof on India.

•⁠ ⁠While acknowledging Pakistan’s narrative victory, she emphasized the need for unified efforts. Carin anticipated attempts by pro-India experts in Western capitals to downplay the issue and maintain support for India, particularly with efforts to influence Trump. She stressed the importance of actively challenging this narrative.

Takeaway:

The discussion reinforced the significance of the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent crisis for the movement of Kashmir and the people there while urging Pakistan to utilize its diplomatic maneuvering for the narrative of Kashmir. The session ended on a contemplative note, underscoring the critical need to reassess global geopolitical shifts and creating a space for integrated voices by Pakistan, who happens to be a strong presence as the only Muslim state with nuclear capability.