Sharif Accuses India at ECO Summit
Speaking at the ECO Summit in Azerbaijan, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif blamed India for disturbing regional peace. He referred to the Pahalgam terror attack and accused New Delhi of launching “reckless and unprovoked” hostility towards Pakistan.
Sharif alleged that India’s military response, Operation Sindoor, aimed not at national security but at creating instability in South Asia.
On April 22, terrorists killed 25 tourists and a local guide in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, making it one of the deadliest terror attacks in Kashmir in recent years. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.
In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking nine terror camps deep inside Pakistan. The offensive, executed with precision, led to Pakistan responding with drone attacks. Tensions rose until Pakistan sought a ceasefire on May 10, following a series of Indian strikes on military installations.
Sharif called India’s response barbaric and politically motivated, dismissing it as a cover for internal failure.
Kashmir Issue Reignited
The Pakistan PM also used the platform to raise the Kashmir issue, condemning what he described as “barbaric acts” against innocent civilians in the Union Territory. Without offering evidence, he claimed that India systematically targets Kashmiris through what he termed “state oppression.”
This follows Pakistan’s longstanding strategy of internationalising the Kashmir dispute, despite India maintaining that Kashmir is an internal matter.
Notably, Sharif’s remarks found little backing among other ECO member states, many of whom are now focusing on economic development and counter-terrorism over ideological posturing.
Sharif Draws Global Parallels
In a broader swipe, Shehbaz Sharif linked India’s alleged actions to global acts of aggression. He mentioned the conflicts in Gaza and Iran, where recent Israeli airstrikes under “Operation Rising Lion” resulted in over 600 deaths.
“Pakistan stands firmly against those who commit barbaric acts—whether in Kashmir, Gaza, or Iran,” said Sharif, drawing parallels that critics say aim to frame Pakistan as a victim rather than an alleged instigator.
India Holds Firm
India has not yet officially responded to Sharif’s latest comments. However, government sources reiterated that the Pahalgam attack was orchestrated by Pakistan-based groups. India’s response, they said, was proportionate and necessary to safeguard national security.
Indian officials continue to demand that Pakistan dismantle terror infrastructure within its borders instead of politicising counter-terrorism operations.
Conclusion
Shehbaz Sharif’s accusations at the ECO Summit reflect Pakistan’s predictable narrative shift following its international embarrassment during Operation Sindoor. With limited support and growing pressure to curb terrorism, Pakistan appears to be leaning once again on the Kashmir rhetoric.
As India maintains its strategic posture, the region waits to see whether Pakistan’s words translate into action—or remain a diversion from internal challenges.