Think, then speak

Recently, Indian politician and political commentator Shashi Tharoor accused Pakistan of being a ‘master of denial’ and alleged that it is linked with terrorist groups without offering any concrete evidence. This statement, echoed by several Indian YouTubers and media outlets, reflects a troubling trend of politically charged accusations that lack factual grounding. The Pahalgam attack was a good example of this trend. Even before investigations concluded, accusations against Pakistan surfaced in Indian media and political circles. This undermines the credibility of any future findings and politicises what should be a strictly legal and security matter. Such rhetoric, especially from influential figures, inflames tensions between India and Pakistan without contributing to peace or regional stability.

Such sensationalism, driven by viewership and political bias, undermines serious dialogue and obscures the complexity of counter-terrorism efforts in the region. It is also critical to remember that Pakistan has suffered immensely from terrorism itself. Major military operations like Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad are clear demonstrations of Pakistan’s internal commitment to eradicating extremist elements. These efforts have been acknowledged by several international observers. In these sensitive times, political leaders and media voices bear the responsibility of choosing facts over biased speculation and accusations.

Anila Ismail

Karachi