For decades, Jammu and Kashmir has remained at the center of a complex geopolitical dispute shaped by competing national claims, cross-border tensions, and cycles of militancy.

Since 1947, successive phases of conflict including tribal incursions, conventional wars, and later proxy engagements have defined the security landscape. Indian officials have consistently maintained that Pakistan has supported militant activity in the region, a charge Islamabad denies, asserting instead that it offers diplomatic and moral backing to Kashmiri self-determination.

The conflict evolved significantly in the late 20th century, particularly during the 1990s, when an armed insurgency intensified across the Valley. Indian security agencies have described this period as the institutionalization of a proxy war, marked by the rise of non-state armed groups and cross-border infiltration.

Pakistan has rejected these allegations, though international bodies such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) placed the country on its “grey list” from 2018 to 2022, citing deficiencies in counter-terror financing frameworks.Recent incidents continue to shape security perceptions.

In April 2025, an attack in Pahalgam targeted civilians, including tourists, underscoring concerns among Indian authorities about the persistence of militant networks. Officials have argued that such attacks aim to undermine economic recovery, particularly in tourism, which has shown significant growth in recent years.

India’s policy approach has shifted notably since August 2019, when the government revoked the region’s special constitutional status and reorganized Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory. The move was presented by New Delhi as a step toward deeper integration, administrative efficiency, and expanded access to national laws and welfare schemes.

Critics, including some political groups within the region and international observers, have raised concerns about federalism, civil liberties, and political representation following the change.

Since the reorganization, the administration under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has emphasized governance reforms and development initiatives. Official data indicates that welfare coverage has expanded, including the issuance of approximately 2.1 million health insurance cards under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Infrastructure in healthcare has been scaled up with new medical colleges and planned All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) facilities in Awantipora and Jammu.Education policy has also undergone changes aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, with authorities reporting increased funding for scholarships targeting tribal and economically disadvantaged students.

In rural development, more than 63,000 houses have reportedly been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, while tap water access under the Jal Jeevan Mission has reached over 80 percent of rural households, according to government figures.

Economic indicators cited by officials point to increased investor interest, with investments worth ₹5,600 crore realized since 2019 and proposals totaling approximately ₹66,000 crore under consideration.

The tourism sector has been a focal point of recovery efforts. Government data shows that 23.5 million tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2024, marking a record high, while international tourist arrivals have grown significantly since 2022.

Large-scale infrastructure projects have also been highlighted as symbols of integration and development. The completion of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla rail link, including what authorities describe as the world’s highest railway bridge, is expected to enhance connectivity and economic activity.

Hydropower development remains a long-term priority, with a projected potential of 20,000 megawatts.At the grassroots level, officials report a rise in local entrepreneurship, particularly in tourism-linked sectors such as homestays, cafés, and small hospitality ventures.

More than 2,500 homestay units have been registered, reflecting a shift toward decentralized economic participation. Skill development initiatives, including coaching programs for national-level examinations, have been introduced to improve employment prospects for youth.

Security conditions, while still closely monitored, have shown signs of stabilization according to official assessments. The successful hosting of the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar in 2023 was cited by the government as evidence of improved security preparedness.

Religious tourism, including the annual Amarnath Yatra, has also seen enhanced logistical and safe arrangements.Despite these developments, the human cost of past decades remains visible.

Cases of civilian suffering continue to be documented by local communities and advocacy groups.

In Pulwama district, the case of Gul Hassan Shah, a nonagenarian who lost his son to abduction and killing in 2003, reflects the long-term impact of violence on families.

Similarly, accounts such as that of Fareeda Begum, who sought state support for over two decades after her husband’s killing, highlight administrative delays and gaps in victim rehabilitation frameworks. Her eventual appointment to a government position in 2025 was presented by officials as part of a broader effort to address legacy grievances.

The pre-2019 governance structure has also come under scrutiny in official narratives, with authorities alleging that institutional inefficiencies and political patronage systems hindered equitable access to state resources.

Specific cases, including the 2009 Shopian incident, remain contested, with differing interpretations regarding investigative processes and accountability.

Analysts note that the region’s trajectory will depend on a combination of sustained security measures, political engagement, and economic inclusion.

While the government emphasizes a transition from conflict management to development-driven governance, questions around political representation, restoration of statehood, and long-term reconciliation remain part of the broader discourse.

India’s position continues to stress that security and development are interlinked, and that economic normalization is essential to counter militancy. Pakistan maintains its stance on Kashmir as a disputed territory requiring international attention.

The divergence in narratives ensures that Jammu and Kashmir remains a focal point in regional geopolitics, even as on-ground indicators point to gradual changes in governance and economic activity.

The truth is stark, data-backed, and irrefutable: India is building lives in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan is destroying them in PoJK.

In the ongoing war of narratives between India and Pakistan over Jammu & Kashmir, facts have finally caught up with fiction. While Pakistan peddles a tired tale of prosperity in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), the truth tells a dramatically different story, one of neglect, repression, and economic decay on its side, and of transformation, investment, and democratic inclusion in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

Budgetary Commitment: India’s Investments Leave Pakistan Behind

Let’s begin with the basics—money.

The development budget for Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in 2025–26 stands at a remarkable ₹1,12,310 crore (USD 12.9 billion), reflecting India’s strong financial commitment to the region’s growth. In sharp contrast, the Annual Development Programme for Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) amounts to just PKR 49 billion (USD 1.77 billion).

On a per capita basis, the disparity is even more striking: India allocates approximately USD 1,032 per person in J&K, while Pakistan spends only USD 393 per person in PoJK.

India’s per capita investment in J&K is nearly three times what Pakistan spends in PoJK. That alone exposes the hollowness of Pakistan’s claims of parity or superiority in developmental efforts. These aren’t just numbers; they represent hospitals built, schools upgraded, roads constructed, and lives improved.

Education: A Tale of Two Systems

India has placed a strong emphasis on educational excellence in Jammu & Kashmir, transforming the region into an emerging hub of academic and professional institutions. Today, J&K is home to nine state universities, two central universities, and four Institutes of National Importance—including IIT Jammu, IIM Jammu, NIT Srinagar, and NIFT Srinagar.

The region also boasts eleven medical colleges, fourteen engineering colleges, and two AIIMS campuses—one operational in Samba and another upcoming in Awantipora. In stark contrast, Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) lags far behind with only seven universities and four medical colleges. Compounding the problem are chronic shortages of qualified faculty, poor remuneration, and mismanaged institutions—conditions that render PoJK’s education system ill-equipped to prepare its youth for the future.

The contrast is equally severe in terms of job creation. In PoJK, youth are either absorbed into the government sector or pushed into the Pakistan Army’s Northern Light Infantry. Meanwhile, in J&K, expanding industry, tourism, and startups are opening up new avenues for educated youth, with the support of central government schemes like Startup India, Digital India, and the Industrial Development Scheme for the UT.

Healthcare: Pakistan’s Neglect, India’s Transformation

Healthcare is another area where Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir is significantly ahead of its Pakistani-occupied counterpart. With a total of 5,534 health institutions—comprising 4,433 government and 1,101 private facilities—J&K maintains a doctor-patient ratio of 1:1658, reflecting a relatively robust healthcare infrastructure.

In stark contrast, PoJK has only 73 hospitals and health centres, with an alarming doctor-patient ratio of 1:4916, exposing the deep neglect and systemic healthcare crisis in the region under Pakistani control.

J&K’s Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is 23, three times better than PoJK. In 2023, J&K was declared #1 in India for IMR reduction, slashing it by 8 points in one year. AIIMS, district hospitals, telemedicine, and Ayushman Bharat cards are bridging the last-mile health delivery gap.

By contrast, PoJK residents have to protest for basic access to emergency care, suffer under dilapidated facilities, and rely on non-local doctors due to persistent staff shortages.

Freedom, Democracy & Governance: J&K Joins India; PoJK Remains Pakistan’s Colony

Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Jammu & Kashmir has been fully and firmly integrated into the constitutional and political framework of India. The region now enjoys full representation in both houses of the Indian Parliament, participates in the nationwide electoral process, and benefits from central welfare schemes on par with other Indian states.

Additionally, the implementation of Panchayati Raj has empowered local governance, bringing decision-making closer to the grassroots and strengthening democratic institutions in the Union Territory.

Meanwhile, PoJK and GB are not even listed in Article 1 of Pakistan’s own Constitution. Their legal status is determined by the highly dubious Karachi Agreement of 1949, signed behind closed doors without any GB representation. PoJK is run via an ‘interim constitution,’ and GB via an executive order, not a law passed by any legislature.

Worse, PoJK’s constitution bans anyone from even questioning its accession to Pakistan. Section 4(7)(3) of the 1974 Act makes any political expression against Pakistan’s claim a punishable offence. This is not democracy, it’s colonialism in disguise.

Discrimination, Repression, and Sectarian Violence

While J&K thrives in a secular, pluralistic democracy, where Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians co-exist, PoJK and GB are trapped in systemic discrimination.

In Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), religious persecution and sectarian discrimination remain deeply entrenched. Since Ahmadis, are constitutionally declared as non-Muslims in Pakistan, they face daily persecution and systemic exclusion from public life.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, Shia Muslims—despite forming the majority—suffer from state-backed discrimination, targeted killings, and institutional bias. Sectarian violence is alarmingly common, and authorities have repeatedly failed to ensure basic law and order in key areas such as Gilgit, Skardu, and Chilas.

Enforced Disappearances and Suppression of Dissent

While Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir enjoys a vibrant media landscape, active political debate, and the freedom to protest without fear, Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) have become zones of repression for activists and dissenters. Journalists, students, and political figures routinely disappear without a trace, often without any official explanation.

The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) and the Awami Action Committee have consistently raised concerns about enforced disappearances and custodial killings. In a chilling incident from May 2025, two young men from PoJK, Zarnosh Naseem and Jibran Naseem, were executed by Pakistani forces and falsely branded as “terrorists,” further intensifying public outrage and highlighting the climate of fear and impunity in the region.

Such acts have triggered widespread unrest. In both 2024 and 2025, mass protests swept across PoJK and GB demanding lower electricity tariffs, subsidised flour, and basic governance. Islamabad responded not with reform, but with detentions, intimidation, and media blackouts.

Infrastructure and Connectivity: A World Apart

India is rapidly connecting Jammu & Kashmir to the rest of the country through a modern transport revolution. The recently inaugurated Chenab Bridge, now the world’s highest railway bridge, stands as a symbol of engineering excellence and integration.

Simultaneously, the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra-Srinagar expressway is progressing at a swift pace, promising seamless travel and economic connectivity. Jammu & Kashmir now boasts over 1.4 lakh kilometers of road network—more than any region with similar terrain—significantly enhancing mobility, trade, and access to essential services.

Meanwhile, in PoJK and GB, poor road infrastructure, irregular power supply, and limited internet access have crippled economic activity. Tourism, which flourishes in Indian J&K, is negligible in PoJK due to insecurity and lack of facilities.

Natural Resources: Looted by Pakistan, Denied to Locals

Despite their mineral richness, PoJK and GB have no control over local resources. Coal, uranium, water, and timber are all exploited by Pakistan’s elite and military-industrial complex. Locals get no royalties, no jobs, and no say.

In Indian J&K, recent policy changes have encouraged local entrepreneurship in mining, horticulture, handicrafts, and IT, with transparent auction processes and guaranteed revenue sharing with panchayats and district bodies.

A Contrast That Can No Longer Be Denied

It’s no longer a contest between two narratives—it’s a contrast between two stark realities. On one side is Jammu & Kashmir: democratic, rapidly developing, and increasingly integrated with the world’s fastest-growing major economy. On the other side lie Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, where people are denied basic rights, exploited by the Pakistani state, and left to languish under military domination and a string of broken promises.

Pakistan must stop using PoJK as cannon fodder for its failed Kashmir policy. The world must now call it out for what it is, an occupying force in a region it neither nurtures nor understands.

The truth is stark, data-backed, and irrefutable: India is building lives in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan is destroying them in PoJK.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not reflect Milli Chronicle’s point-of-view.

The Pakistani military had launched missiles and drones aimed at at least 15 Indian cities, including Jammu, Jaisalmer, and Pathankot. However, India’s robust defense apparatus, including the S-400 missile system and advanced drone countermeasures, successfully intercepted the threats, averting significant damage or casualties.

As a defensive measure, blackouts were imposed in key Indian border cities—Srinagar, Jammu, Rajouri, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Bhuj—to prevent visibility to enemy drones and safeguard civilians.

In a calibrated response, India deployed kamikaze drones and neutralized a Pakistani air defense system in Lahore, striking deep within Pakistani territory. Other military targets, including air defense radars in Sialkot and Islamabad, were also engaged.

The Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed, “In response to an unprovoked and unsuccessful attack by the Pakistani military, our armed forces have taken precise and measured action to ensure deterrence and defense.”

The confrontation follows Wednesday’s Operation Sindoor, during which India struck nine high-value terror targets across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including in Bahawalpur, a known hub for the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group. The operation was carried out after a brutal terror attack in Pahalgam killed Indian security personnel and civilians.

Pakistan, for its part, resorted to ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir—a familiar escalation tactic—but Indian border forces responded swiftly and effectively to protect civilian populations.

Analysts warn that while India’s response remains tactical and targeted, the situation remains volatile.

“There is clearly a shift in India’s posture,” said a regional security analyst. “The Indian government is signaling that attacks on its soil will not go unanswered.”

As night fell across the subcontinent, both sides remained on high alert. Yet the scars of recent violence, especially the Pahalgam attack, remain fresh—fueling public support in India for a firm and decisive response.

Whether this marks a turning point in Indo-Pak relations or a dangerous step toward broader conflict, one thing is certain: the region stands at a fragile crossroads, with diplomacy and restraint now more critical than ever.

The logistics of Modi’s schedule further weaken Kharge’s claim. Organizing a high-profile international trip like the Saudi visit requires weeks of preparation, leaving little room for a last-minute Kashmir visit.

In a startling accusation, Mallikarjun Kharge, president of India’s opposition Congress Party, recently claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi canceled a planned visit to Kashmir after receiving an intelligence warning three days before the devastating Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025.

The attack, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in the scenic Kashmir valley, sent shockwaves across India and beyond, intensifying regional tensions. Kharge’s allegation, widely shared on platforms like IndiaToday and Beatroot, has ignited controversy, with critics calling it a politically motivated fabrication.

For an international audience seeking clarity, a closer look at the timeline, Modi’s schedule, and the complexities of India’s security landscape reveals a claim that lacks evidence and struggles to hold up.

The Pahalgam Attack: A Brutal Blow

The Pahalgam attack ranks among the deadliest in Jammu and Kashmir in nearly two decades. On April 22, 2025, at 2:30 PM local time, gunmen targeted Hindu tourists in Baisaran meadow, a picturesque spot in the Kashmir valley. The Resistance Front (TRF), a militant group linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility before retracting its statement due to public backlash.

India accused Pakistan of orchestrating the attack, further straining already tense relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The tragedy not only highlighted the fragility of security in Kashmir—a disputed region claimed by both India and Pakistan—but also raised questions about intelligence failures.

Kharge’s claim centers on a specific assertion: Modi received an intelligence report on April 19, 2025, warning of the attack and promptly canceled a planned Kashmir visit to avoid danger. The accusation paints Modi as prioritizing personal safety over leadership in a crisis. But when examined against verifiable facts, the narrative begins to crumble.

Modi’s Schedule: No Trace of a Kashmir Trip

First, let’s consider Modi’s itinerary. On April 19, 2025—the day Kharge alleges Modi was warned—India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced Modi’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, scheduled for April 22–23. Modi arrived in Jeddah on April 22, where he was set to co-chair the second India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council meeting, a key diplomatic engagement to strengthen bilateral ties.

When news of the Pahalgam attack broke, Modi cut his visit short, skipping a formal dinner, and returned to New Delhi on April 23 to convene an emergency meeting with top officials, including Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. This timeline, corroborated by global media outlets like The Hindu, shows Modi’s focus was on international diplomacy, not a domestic trip to Kashmir.

No evidence suggests a Kashmir visit was ever planned. Modi’s trips to volatile regions like Kashmir are often unannounced for security reasons, but no government statements, media reports, or credible social media sources indicate a scheduled visit in April 2025.

Modi’s last major Kashmir trip was in January 2025, to the resort town of Sonamarg where he inaugurated the 6.5-kilometer tunnel. Kharge’s claim of a cancellation implies a visit was on the table, but without documentation, it appears speculative. Open-source intelligence platforms, found no mention of a planned Kashmir trip in the days before the attack, undermining Kharge’s narrative.

The Intelligence Puzzle

Kharge’s allegation also hinges on the existence of a specific intelligence report warning of the Pahalgam attack. India’s intelligence agencies, such as the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB), routinely monitor threats in Kashmir, where militancy remains a persistent challenge.

These reports are highly classified, and specific warnings are rarely made public. This suggests that while general intelligence on militant activity likely existed, a precise warning about the April 22 attack may not have been issued—or was not actionable.

Kharge provides no evidence to support his claim of a specific report. As an opposition leader, his access to classified intelligence would likely come from unofficial channels or leaking buckets, casting doubt on the reliability of his statement. Without corroboration, the claim risks fueling misinformation in a region already fraught with competing narratives.

Modi’s Response: Crisis Management, Not Evasion

Modi’s actions after the attack contrast sharply with Kharge’s portrayal. Upon returning to Delhi, Modi chaired an emergency meeting, condemned the attack as “cowardly,” and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, as reported by The Hindu.

His government launched a sweeping response, detaining over 1,500 suspects, demolishing homes of alleged militants, and suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan—a 1960 agreement governing shared river resources. Modi even rerouted his return flight to avoid Pakistani airspace, signaling a hardline stance. These measures reflect a leader grappling with a national crisis, not one dodging responsibility by canceling a visit.

The Political Context

To understand Kharge’s claim, it’s crucial to consider India’s domestic politics. The Congress Party has long criticized Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government over its Kashmir policy, particularly the 2019 decision to revoke Article 370, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its semi-autonomous status. The BJP touted this move as a path to stability, but the Pahalgam attack challenged that narrative, giving the opposition an opening to question Modi’s leadership.

Kharge’s allegation aligns with this strategy, aiming to portray Modi as detached or negligent. However, without evidence, the claim has drawn backlash, with social media posts on X labeling it “venomous” and accusing Kharge of inadvertently bolstering Pakistan’s narrative—a risky move for Congress’s credibility.

Logistical Realities

The logistics of Modi’s schedule further weaken Kharge’s claim. Organizing a high-profile international trip like the Saudi visit requires weeks of preparation, leaving little room for a last-minute Kashmir visit.

Why It Matters

The Pahalgam attack underscores the enduring volatility of Jammu and Kashmir, a region at the heart of India-Pakistan tensions for decades. Beyond the human toll, the tragedy highlights the challenges of securing a conflict-prone area while navigating geopolitical rivalries. Kharge’s claim, while attention-grabbing, lacks the evidence needed to hold up under scrutiny.

Modi’s documented schedule, the absence of a confirmed Kashmir visit, and the speculative nature of the intelligence report all point to a narrative driven more by political point-scoring than by facts.

For the international community, this episode serves as a reminder of the complexities of India’s internal and external challenges. The focus should remain on addressing the root causes of violence in Kashmir—enhancing security, fostering dialogue, and ensuring justice for victims.

Unsubstantiated claims like Kharge’s, while sparking debate, risk diverting attention from these critical priorities. In a region where truth is often obscured by competing narratives, facts must guide the path forward.

The statement, shared by MoFA’s official spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi read, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan categorically condemns the recent attack on tourists in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses our condolences to the bereaved families. Such incidents undermine efforts to ensure regional security and stability.”

While the Afghan ministry did not specify the details of the attack, sources indicate that the incident involved a violent assault on a group of tourists, allegedly backed by elements linked to Pakistan.

Pahalgam, a picturesque town in Jammu and Kashmir, has long been a hotspot for tourism, attracting visitors from across the globe for its natural beauty and cultural significance. However, the region has also been marred by decades of conflict, with militant groups often targeting civilians and security forces in a bid to destabilize the area.

The Taliban’s condemnation marks a notable shift in its public stance, as the group has historically been accused of harboring ties with various militant organizations operating in the region. Analysts suggest that this statement could be an attempt by the Taliban to project a more responsible image on the international stage, especially as it seeks to gain legitimacy and foster diplomatic ties since taking control of Afghanistan in 2021.

Experts believe that by condemning an attack backed by Pakistan, the Taliban is signaling that it wants to distance itself from regional militancy and focus on governance and stability. It’s a message not just to the international community but also to its neighbors, including Pakistan, with whom relations have been strained in recent years.

Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been on the rise, particularly over issues like cross-border militancy and the Durand Line dispute. The Taliban has repeatedly accused Pakistan of supporting groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has launched attacks inside Afghanistan. In turn, Pakistan has blamed the Taliban for providing safe havens to TTP fighters.

The IEA-MoFA’s statement on the Pahalgam attack could further complicate this already fragile relationship, as it indirectly points the finger at Pakistan for its alleged role in the violence.

However, critics remain skeptical of the Taliban’s intentions. They suspect that this could just be a rhetorical move to gain favor with the international community. The Taliban has a long history of supporting militant groups, and a single statement doesn’t erase that.

As the situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains tense, the international community continues to call for dialogue and de-escalation between India and Pakistan. The Taliban’s unexpected condemnation of the Pahalgam attack adds a new layer of complexity to an already volatile region, raising questions about the group’s evolving role in South Asian geopolitics.

For now, the families of the victims in Pahalgam are left to mourn their loss, while the people of the region brace for the long-term consequences of yet another act of violence. The path to peace in Jammu and Kashmir remains elusive, but the Taliban’s statement serves as a reminder of the interconnected nature of security challenges in the region—and the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address them.

During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing visit to Saudi Arabia, a high-level meeting took place between PM Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Crown Prince conveyed his heartfelt condolences and unwavering support to India in the aftermath of the brutal attack.

“As I said, the recent terror attacks in Kashmir were discussed and His Royal Highness Crown Prince conveyed his condolences. The leaders strongly condemned this terror attack,” said Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, during a media briefing in Jeddah.

In addition to expressing sympathy, the Crown Prince offered any necessary assistance to India, underscoring the strengthening security cooperation between the two countries as they jointly confront the menace of terrorism.

At the same time, the United Arab Emirates issued a firm statement condemning the heinous attack that targeted tourists in Pahalgam. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) declared its strong rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism, emphasizing that such acts undermine security and stability, violating international law.

The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of India, and to the families of the victims affected by this senseless violence. It also wished a swift recovery to those injured in the attack.

UAE’s Ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Alshaali posted, “My most sincere condolences to the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the people of India. I pray for the swift and full recovery of the injured.”

The joint condemnation by Saudi Arabia and the UAE highlights the growing consensus among Gulf nations against Pakistan-backed terrorism and their firm stance in support of India’s sovereignty and security. These developments come amid broader efforts to enhance regional cooperation in counterterrorism, investment, and diplomatic ties.

PM Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties, comes at a critical time when collaboration against terrorism has become a top priority for both nations.

The statement, issued from the General Secretariat in Makkah, reaffirmed the MWL’s unwavering stance—shared by the broader Islamic world—against all forms of violence and terrorism. It categorically rejected any justification for such acts and strongly opposed the exploitation of religion or culture to legitimize terrorism.

In its message, the MWL emphasized that terrorism has no place in any faith or tradition, and it should not be associated with any race, religion, or community. “Violent extremism must be condemned unequivocally, regardless of its form or manifestation,” the statement declared.

The timing of the statement was significant, coming shortly after a high-profile meeting between MWL Secretary General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jeddah on Tuesday. The meeting highlighted shared concerns around global terrorism and deepened the dialogue between India and the Islamic world on peacebuilding and counter-extremism efforts.

The MWL’s remarks also referenced a recent joint statement issued during PM Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia, where both nations reinforced their commitment to combat terrorism and its financing. The MWL praised the “pivotal Saudi-Indian cooperation” and called for dismantling the cross-border terror infrastructure and bringing its perpetrators to justice.

Headquartered in Makkah, the MWL is one of the most prominent Islamic non-governmental organizations, with a global presence aimed at promoting peace, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian outreach. Under the leadership of Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, the MWL has taken a progressive stance against extremism, earning international respect for its efforts to build bridges across faiths and cultures.

India’s connection with the MWL has grown in recent years, especially under Prime Minister Modi’s outreach to the Muslim world. Dr. Al-Issa’s public condemnation of terrorism reflects a growing strategic alignment between India and key Islamic institutions in promoting global peace and fighting radical ideologies.

In a heartfelt statement, the National President of the organization, Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi Salafi, expressed deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and conveyed his sympathy to the injured. He emphasized that such acts of violence are not only criminal but a threat to the harmony and security of the country.

Maulana Salafi referenced the harrowing memories of the Pulwama attack, stating, “We cannot forget the tragedy of the most serious terrorist attack in Pulwama, which marked a dark day in the history of our nation.”

He urged the government to take stringent action against the perpetrators, stating that “those responsible must be brought to justice to ensure that no one dares to disrupt the peace and security of this dear country.”

Calling for a responsible and united response, Maulana Salafi appealed to the media and the public to exercise patience and avoid actions that could incite further tensions or undermine communal harmony.

“Maintaining law and order and preserving our collective peace is our moral and civic duty,” he noted.

This statement comes at a time when tensions are high in the region, and calls for justice and peace are echoing from various quarters of civil society. The Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadees Hind’s message aims to reinforce the importance of unity and resilience in the face of terrorism.

The novel, published on January 15, 2025, delves into themes of resilience, healing, and self-discovery, offering an inspiring message to young readers.

Accepting the Darkness follows the journey of Nile, a protagonist grappling with sorrow and uncertainty. The book is a poignant exploration of pain, resilience, and the search for light amidst overwhelming shadows. As past wounds resurface, Nile is compelled to confront his fears, reconcile with lost love, and embrace the darkest parts of himself to find true peace.

The novel is an emotionally rich narrative that encourages introspection and personal growth.

With 200 pages of heartfelt storytelling, Zikra’s debut work is a testament to her talent and maturity as a young author.

The book is available in multiple formats, catering to a wide audience: Paperback: ₹224, Kindle Edition: ₹93.45, Hardcover: ₹360.

Zikra Bukhari’s literary journey is an inspiration for young writers, proving that passion and perseverance can break barriers, regardless of age. Her novel not only marks the beginning of a promising career but also serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for aspiring authors.

Readers can purchase Accepting the Darkness on Amazon and immerse themselves in this moving tale of growth, loss, and the courage to move forward.