Addressing Escalating Tensions Between India and Pakistan: A Call for Justice, Dialogue, and Regional Stability

Policy Brief

Addressing Escalating Tensions Between India and Pakistan: A Call for Justice, Dialogue, and Regional Stability

Date: 25 April 2025
Prepared by: MAPIM (Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organization)

Executive Summary

The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 26 tourists, has dangerously intensified the already volatile relationship between India and Pakistan. The accusations exchanged between the two nations have triggered retaliatory measures, including the suspension of diplomatic engagements and trade agreements. This brief seeks to present a comprehensive response grounded in justice, international law, and the urgent need to de-escalate tensions while addressing the long-standing issue of Kashmir.

Background

India has accused Pakistan-based militant groups of orchestrating the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan, on the other hand, has categorically denied any involvement and condemned the violence. In the wake of this tragedy, India’s response has included unilateral actions, including decisions affecting bilateral water-sharing agreements under the Indus Waters Treaty. These steps, taken without consultation, are seen as provocative and risk further destabilizing regional peace.

India’s decision to blame Pakistan without concrete evidence only exacerbates tensions and amounts to a provocation for potential military escalation.

Root Causes: The Unresolved Kashmir Dispute

At the core of this conflict is the unresolved and long-standing issue of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, a right enshrined in multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions. Instead of pursuing a peaceful resolution, India has chosen to suppress this aspiration through militarization and repressive legal frameworks.

Key issues include :

●Draconian legislation: The use of laws such as the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) to arbitrarily detain individuals.

●Suppression of dissent: Arbitrary arrests, harassment of journalists, scholars, and youth leaders.

●Human rights violations: Mass surveillance, communication blackouts, curfews, and violations of privacy.

●Illegal abductions and enforced disappearances.

●Fake encounters: Extrajudicial killings staged as security operations.

●Systematic discrimination: Policies designed to disenfranchise and alter the demographic balance of Muslim-majority regions.

●Extrajudicial executions and impunity for security forces.

These actions have created a climate of fear and resistance, setting the conditions for radicalization and violent responses. It is vital to acknowledge that these are not isolated incidents but part of a systematic campaign to silence the legitimate political aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Recommendations

1. Immediate De-escalation

Reaffirm existing ceasefire agreements along the Line of Control (LoC).

Reactivate military and diplomatic hotlines to prevent misunderstandings.

2. Independent Investigation

Call for an impartial international investigation into the Pahalgam attack.

Involve neutral parties or international organizations to ensure credibility.

3. Reinstatement of Bilateral Dialogue

Resume the Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue to address Kashmir, water-sharing, terrorism, and trade.

Establish Track II diplomacy and civil society exchanges.

4. Recognition of Kashmiri Rights

Acknowledge and uphold the Kashmiri right to self-determination.

Repeal draconian laws and end political detentions and surveillance.

5. International Mediation

Engage the United Nations, OIC, and friendly nations to facilitate peace talks.

Monitor compliance with human rights norms and ceasefire agreements.

6. Responsible Media Conduct

Curb inflammatory rhetoric and nationalism in state media.

Promote accurate, verified information to prevent public hysteria.

Conclusion

Peace and stability in South Asia cannot be achieved without addressing the root causes of conflict. India must recognize its obligations under international law and respect the rights of the Kashmiri people. Pakistan must also contribute constructively to regional peace. The international community, particularly ASEAN, OIC, and the United Nations, has a moral and strategic responsibility to act as facilitators of justice and peace.

Issued by:

Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid
President MAPIM – Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organization