Shahid Afridi denounces India's 'baseless' blame over Pahalgam attack

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi expressed deep concern over India's premature and unfounded allegations against Pakistan following the recent attack in Pahalgam in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Speaking to the media in Dubai, Afridi denounced New Delhi's blame on Islamabad, describing it as "unfortunate and unjustified."

He emphasised that India was too quick to assume Pakistan's involvement in the incident that resulted in loss of life in the IIOJK region.

Afridi further expressed sorrow over the loss of human lives in Kashmir and condemned the increasing wave of terrorist attacks within Pakistan.

He called for diplomacy to be the path forward between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, stating, "Dialogue is the only solution to our issues; conflict brings no benefit."

Emphasising the need to keep sports separate from political tensions, the former skipper urged both nations to ensure cricket is not dragged into geopolitical disputes.

Pakistan-India tensions on rise

Tensions are running high between nuclear-armed neighbours after Tuesday's deadly gun attack in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir's (IIOJK) Pahalgam area killed at least 27 tourists, pushing bilateral ties to a new low in nearly two decades.

A day after the attack, New Delhi suspended a water-sharing treaty, announced the closure of the main land border crossing with Pakistan, downgraded diplomatic ties, and withdrew visas for Pakistanis.

In response, Islamabad ordered the expulsion of Indian diplomats and military advisers, cancelling visas for Indian nationals, except Sikh pilgrims — and closing the main border crossing from its side.

Pakistan also warned any attempt by India to stop the supply of water from the Indus River would be an "act of war".

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since its independence in 1947. India still has not fulfilled its promise of holding a UN-mandated plebiscite.