Protests across Pakistan against India's threats

 

Protests have erupted across Pakistan, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), against India's threats following the recent gun attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir. The protests took place on Thursday (April 24). Geo News reported.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warned that those involved in the attack on Tuesday (April 22) will not be spared. He has accused Pakistan of supporting "border terrorism". New Delhi has also taken several steps against Islamabad. Pakistan has also taken retaliatory measures.

"If India wants to engage in war, then let it come out openly," Ajmal Baloch, a businessman, told AFP at a protest called by a local party.

Ajmal and other protesters also expressed anger over India's "unacceptable" threats, including the cancellation of the Indus Water Treaty.

"Water is our right and God willing, we will restore it," said 25-year-old Muhammad Wais. Even if it means war, we will not back down.’

Protests were also held in the main city of Muzaffarabad, carrying placards with anti-India slogans.

Senior Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Javed Mir said, ‘If India makes the mistake of attacking, Pakistani Kashmiris will fight on the front lines. We are ready to die for Pakistan.’

Protests were also held in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province.

Incidentally, on Tuesday (April 22), 26 people, including a Nepali national, were killed in an attack by armed groups in Pahalgam, a tourist resort in Indian-administered Kashmir. The Indian government has blamed Pakistan for the attack, although Islamabad has strongly denied the claim and called it a ‘false flag operation’.

The day after the attack, India took several steps on Wednesday, including cancelling visas for citizens of the neighboring country and suspending the Indus Water Treaty.

Pakistan has also taken some tough measures in response to India’s actions. Islamabad announced a series of retaliatory measures on Wednesday, including canceling visas for Indians, suspending trade with the country, and closing its airspace to Indian flights. The retaliatory measures have sparked renewed tensions between the two countries that are feared to have escalated into a military conflict.