To de-escalate tensions: Need of 3rd-party involvement stressed in upcoming Pak-India engagement

ISLAMABAD: Distinguished defence and international affairs experts have emphasised need of third-party involvement in upcoming engagement with India.

A leading strategic think tank impressed upon the urgent need for third-party role for helping in de-escalation and eradicating tensions between Pakistan and India, in wake of Pahalgam incident and subsequent showdown which resulted in short war.

The Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS), Islamabad, hosted a roundtable titled “Post-Pahalgam Crisis: Policy Options for Pakistan,” Saturday here convening senior diplomats, retired defense officials, and academicians to assess the evolving regional security climate. “In the absence of any functional dialogue mechanisms and communication channels between the two states, the situation necessitates third-party involvement to de-escalate tensions,” said the participants.

“Pakistan needs to invest in building a cohesive international narrative,” they stressed, adding that global media coverage had been generally favourable toward Pakistan’s position in the combat.

Another key policy recommendation was the need for constant monitoring of India’s conventional military buildup.