Exclusive: Pakistan’s ambassador to the US has raised alarms about severe potential repercussions if India acts on its claims of a military strike tied to recent incidents in Kashmir.
The looming conflict between these two nuclear powers could escalate quickly, and Pakistan’s ambassador, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, is urging President Trump to leverage his negotiation skills to address the long-standing issues with India, particularly regarding Kashmir.
“This situation is one of those nuclear flashpoints,” the ambassador remarked in an exclusive chat with Fox News Digital. “It could really be a significant moment for President Trump—not through quick fixes, but by tackling the Kashmir issue head-on.”
Saeed spoke about India’s reaction to a recent attack in Pahargam, which resulted in casualties among Indian security personnel. He expressed concern that the response from India was alarmingly fast and incendiary. “India made accusations against Pakistan just minutes after the attack,” he pointed out, noting the challenging terrain of the event, yet a report was filed a mere ten minutes after it occurred.
Indian Modi grants military leeway amid rising tensions following a deadly terrorist event
Kashmiri Muslims pray by the roadside while Indian security personnel manage the area in Srinagar, Kashmir, on Friday. (Reuters/Adnan Avidi)
This week, Pakistan claimed to have “credible information” suggesting an imminent counterattack from India. The US Embassy in India did not respond to requests for comments on the matter when this was published.
The turmoil began after a tragic incident in Belgaum, Kashmir on April 22, where several tourists lost their lives—most of whom were Indian. India quickly directed blame toward Pakistan, which has denied any involvement.
The attack happened in a secluded valley accessible only by foot or horse, and some survivors reported that the attackers singled out victims supporting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The ambassador cautioned that the region, home to over 1.5 billion people, has once again been caught in a “hysteria-infused war” fueled by the rhetoric from the Indian government and media, with cries for war becoming louder. Both nations have engaged in cross-border skirmishes since the attack.
Saeed emphasized the need for evidence connecting Pakistan to the attacks and expressed Islamabad’s willingness to be part of a transparent and impartial investigation.
“An error or misjudgment could provoke a nuclear scenario,” Saeed warned. “That’s not something we wish for in such a densely populated region.”
Pakistan worried about India’s “immediate” actions fueled by escalating tensions after the terror attack
Indian paramilitary forces patrol a commercial area in Srinagar, Kashmir on Tuesday. (AFP via Faisal Khan)
He further criticized India’s policies in Kashmir, alleging attempts to settle non-residents in the region and threats to restrict water flow from Pakistan’s rivers.
“It’s about as illegal as it gets,” he remarked, emphasizing that these actions, if initiated, would be seen as acts of war, appealing to international law against what he termed “water terrorism” by New Delhi.
The ambassador called for global support for sustainable resolution.
“Historically, when tensions have escalated, the international community has intervened; however, they’ve often been too late, only reacting when things spiral out of control,” Saeed said. “This time, perhaps due to other global situations, we really can’t just rely on temporary solutions; we need to cautiously approach the broader issue.”
Immediate fears loom as Pakistan perceives potential Indian invasion amidst rising tensions
Activists from various political parties partake in anti-Indian protests in Muzaffarabad following increased tensions related to tourism attacks in Kashmir. (Farooq Naeem/AFP via Getty Images)
Both countries lay claim to parts of Kashmir, having fought three wars over it.
In 2019, a cross-border attack by militants resulted in the deaths of over 40 Indian paramilitary personnel in Kashmir, prompting India to strike back.
Modi’s administration revoked Kashmir’s autonomy that same year, reintegrating it under Indian governance, which sparked protests.
Since both nations gained independence from British rule in 1947, Kashmir has been a contentious territory, making it one of the most heavily militarized regions globally, with countless lives lost due to local extremist violence.
Nevertheless, Modi’s policies in Kashmir have led to a relative calm in recent years, which has bolstered his domestic approval. However, in light of the latest clashes, he may feel pressured to respond vigorously.
Pakistan has endured decades of terrorism, and Saeed noted that between 70,000 and 90,000 lives have been lost to attacks over the past 20 years.
“We cannot endure instability right next door,” he asserted. “We seek peace, but we’ve stated this at all levels; however, it should not be misinterpreted as weakness. We desire peace, but peace with honor.”
