Escalation Avoidance Urged After Pahalgam Terror Attack; 700 Pakistani Nationals Depart India
Tensions Simmering Along India-Pakistan Border: A week following the violent Pahalgam terror attack, the US remains vigilant, keeping a close eye on the unfolding events along the India-Pakistan border. As a nod to the gravity of the situation, the US State Department spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, confirmed they are in communication with the neighboring countries' governments.
Meanwhile, an alarming figure has emerged, with as many as 786 Pakistani nationals leaving India through the Attari-Wagah border within just six days since April 24. In response, more than 1376 Indians have returned from Pakistan during the same period. These departures follow the Indian government's announcement that Pakistani nationals should depart India by April 27, and those holding medical visas had until April 29.
The devastating Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir left 26 tourists dead and many more wounded on April 22.
Key Updates
- During a press conference, Tammy Bruce disclosed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to speak with both countries' foreign ministers "as soon as today or tomorrow."
- When asked about Pakistan's minister's statement accusing the US of performing "dirty work" and denying the existence of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan, Bruce replied that, "the Secretary of State will speak with the foreign ministers of both countries. We're also keeping a keen eye on the developments across the board in that region, and we, as you know, are in contact with the governments of India and Pakistan at multiple levels. Not just at the Foreign Minister level, certainly, but at multiple levels. We, of course, are encouraging all parties to work together for a reasonable solution. The world is watching this, but I have no additional details in that regard."
- Bruce added that Secretary of State Rubio has requested both countries "not to escalate the situation." "Rubio said we are reaching out to both parties and telling them not to escalate the situation. The secretary expects to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as soon as today or tomorrow. He (Rubio) is encouraging other national leaders and foreign ministers to reach out to the countries on this issue," she added.
- Due to the ongoing tension, Bruce stated, "action is being taken every day" in this case. The secretary is directly communicating with his counterparts in India and Pakistan. Prior to this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an emergency meeting with key officials in New Delhi to discuss the response.
- National Security Advisor Ajit Doval attended the meeting, which took place following the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting held on April 23 in response to the terrorist attack.
- The Indian government has taken stern measures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism, leading to the temporary halt of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 and the closure of the integrated Attari Check Post.
- In a significant move, India has expelled Pakistani High Commission officials and canceled visas provided through the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. They have also ordered Pakistani nationals to vacate the country within 48 hours.
- Following the attack, India has strongly advised its citizens to avoid travel to Pakistan and to leave Pakistan if they are currently there. "Several have departed via flight through Dubai or other routes, as there is no direct flight to Pakistan. We expect more Pakistan nationals to leave the country as state police and other central agencies are identifying Pakistan nationals residing in various parts of the country," said one officer.
- A substantial verification drive is underway in all states with assistance from central intelligence agencies. Strict action will be taken against Pakistani nationals if they fail to leave India by April 29.
(Provided by various news agencies)
Insights:
- In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, various diplomatic maneuvers are underway, including discussions between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan.
- The US is urging both countries to exercise restraint in handling the escalating tensions.
- Protests by Indian students have also been reported at Harvard University, calling for the revocation of visas for Pakistani officials.
- India has taken significant actions, such as halting the Indus Waters Treaty and expelling Pakistani High Commission officials, in response to Pakistan's support of cross-border terrorism.
- Indian authorities have advised their citizens to avoid traveling to Pakistan and to leave the country if currently there. A large verification drive is underway to monitor the departure of Pakistani nationals, with stern action planned for those who remain after the deadline.
- In response to the Pahalgam attack, the US is preparing for a conversation between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the foreign ministers of both India and Pakistan, aiming to encourage a reasonable solution.
- As the situation escalates, the US State Department spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, emphasized their ongoing communication with both countries and their encouragement for all parties to avoid further escalation.
- The frenetic pace of departure has been witnessed, with 786 Pakistanis and 1376 Indians leaving their respective countries through borders, thanks to the impending deadlines for Pakistani nationals to vacate India.
- Despite the political tensions, general news outlets have reported protests by Indian students at Harvard University, demanding the revocation of visas for Pakistani officials.
