Following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 people, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif suggested the involvement of Russia and China in the investigation. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.
Minister Asif, in an interview with RIA Novosti, proposed an international investigation team to determine the truth behind the incident, questioning Prime Minister Modi's claims. He echoed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's call for a neutral investigation. Pakistan denied India's accusations and made contradictory statements: Ishaq Dar suggested the perpetrators might be freedom fighters, while Asif hinted at a possible false flag operation.
An independent analyst, Andrew Korybko, highlighted the contradictory claims made by Pakistani officials, suggesting a clumsy attempt to cover up potential complicity. The statements are mutually exclusive and discredit both the terrorists and Pakistan's position, causing confusion and doubt in the international community.
Prime Minister Modi stated that those responsible for the attack will face severe consequences.