Tuesday's terrorist attack in Pahalgam has rattled India. Prime Minister Modi cut short his Saudi Arabia visit and returned immediately, as did Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman from her visits to the US and Peru. Home Minister Amit Shah has reached Srinagar. Leaders worldwide, including former US President Donald Trump, have expressed their grief over the terror attack. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Turkey reiterated his old stance.
On a two-day visit to Turkey, Shahbaz Sharif talked about Kashmir even as the attacks were happening in Pahalgam on Tuesday. Just after the attacks, he held a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, thanking Erdoğan for his unwavering support on the Kashmir issue.
According to Pakistan's 'Express Tribune', Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the killing of 50,000 innocent people in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire. Moreover, he expressed gratitude for Turkey's unwavering support on the Kashmir issue.
Involvement of Pakistani Terrorists in Pahalgam Attack
Reports suggest two Pakistani terrorists were involved in the attacks in the Basaran Valley of Pahalgam. It is said that two local terrorists were also involved in the attack. Security agencies have released sketches of the three terrorists. On Tuesday, these terrorists targeted tourists in the Basaran Valley, resulting in 28 deaths and 17 injuries. The army, NIA, police, and other intelligence and security agencies are actively searching for the terrorists.
According to sources, two of the attackers spoke in Pashtun language, indicating their Pakistani origin. Two local terrorists have been identified as Adil Ahmad Thakur and Asif Sheikh.
Pakistan Aids Terrorists in Kashmir, Sharif Seeks Support in Turkey
Pakistan has consistently supported separatist forces in Kashmir through funding and training, aiming to destabilize the region. On international platforms, Pakistan continues to highlight the Kashmir issue, though it has lost considerable support globally.
Turkey's Position on Kashmir Issue?
Pakistan supports Turkey on the Cyprus issue, and in return, Turkey speaks in favor of Pakistan on Kashmir. In February this year, President Erdoğan visited Pakistan and expressed support for Pakistan’s efforts in resolving the Kashmir issue.
He further stated that the Kashmir issue could be resolved through dialogue in line with UN resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. Erdoğan assured of Turkey’s solidarity with the Kashmiri brothers.
In 2022, Pakistani PM Shahbaz Sharif visited Turkey, where President Erdoğan expressed a desire to solve the longstanding Kashmir issue according to UN resolutions at a joint press conference.
Previously, in 2020, President Erdoğan addressed Pakistan's parliament, supporting Pakistan on Kashmir.
He commented on the removal of Article 370, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, and said, 'Our Kashmiri brothers and sisters have suffered for decades, and recent unilateral decisions have worsened their plight. Today, the Kashmir issue matters as much to us as it does to Pakistan. Resolving this issue will benefit all concerned parties. Turkey stands for justice, peace, and dialogue in solving the Kashmir issue.'
Turkey's remarks on Kashmir met with firm opposition from India. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Jammu and Kashmir are integral parts of India, and comments on India's territorial integrity are unacceptable.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, opposing Erdoğan's recent comments on Kashmir in February 2025, said, 'We reject such unwarranted comments on India’s domestic issues. We have lodged a strong protest with Turkey’s ambassador. Comments undermining India's territorial integrity and sovereignty are unacceptable. Jammu and Kashmir are integral parts of India.'
