Altaf Hussain Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Calls for Justice

Altaf Hussain, the founder of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, has spoken out against the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, labeling it a heinous and barbaric act. He emphasized the importance of bringing those responsible to justice and highlighted the tragedy of the loss of innocent lives, with reports indicating that at least 26 individuals, including tourists, were killed in the attack.

In his remarks, Hussain noted the ambiguity surrounding the motivations behind the assault, remarking that without clear statements from Indian authorities, it is difficult to identify the mastermind behind the tragedy. The attack transformed the previously peaceful area of Pahalgam into a site of mourning and despair. He raised questions about the context of the attack and its potential implications, suggesting that the discourse surrounding Hindu-Muslim identities in Pakistan, as expressed by the military chief Asim Munir, is misguided and reinforces divisive ideologies.

Hussain critiqued Asim Munir's intentions in linking recent tensions over Kashmir to the historical Two-Nation Theory, which underpinned the creation of Pakistan in 1947. He urged military leaders to reflect on the historical coexistence of Hindus and Muslims in the region, arguing that the narratives propagated by some have contributed to ongoing discord.

The MQM founder also touched on the broader implications of the attack, asserting that it serves to exacerbate existing tensions between India and Pakistan. He firmly stated that despite the current political climate, the attack should not be contextualized within FATF discussions, asserting that it was meant to deepen divisions rather than foster dialogue. Hussain concluded by stressing the significance of response measures at both national and international levels, insisting that Pakistan must communicate effectively to navigate any fallout from the incident.

In the aftermath of the attack, a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting was convened in India to address the situation, with officials reinforcing their commitment to ensuring accountability for the perpetrators and enhancing security measures to prevent future attacks.