Chief Minister of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, has acknowledged that Pakistan has successfully raised the Kashmir issue on the global stage, especially in the wake of recent military escalations between India and Pakistan.
In an interview with an Indian television channel, Abdullah remarked that “despite the ongoing conflict, one thing remains unchanged — Pakistan’s unwavering focus on internationalizing the Kashmir issue.” He added that India’s military actions have failed to bring justice to victims of the Pahalgam attack, while Pakistan has taken strategic advantage to push its Kashmir narrative globally.
Abdullah further noted that the unexpected scale and consequences of the recent conflict have drawn the United States into a more active diplomatic role, suggesting that Washington is now considering a supervisory or mediatory position on Kashmir.
The remarks come amid mounting global attention following a deadly attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, where 26 people were killed. Pakistan not only condemned the incident but also offered full cooperation for a transparent investigation, which India rejected, immediately blaming Pakistan without evidence.
In response, India used the attack as a pretext to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, a decades-old agreement brokered by the World Bank. Pakistan strongly rejected India’s unilateral decision, warning that any attempt to block or divert river flows would be considered an act of war. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warned that any Indian-built dams on Pakistani rivers would be destroyed.
As tensions escalated, India launched airstrikes on five locations across Azad Kashmir and Pakistan on the night of May 6-7. In retaliation, Pakistan’s military shot down five Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets. Further Indian drone attacks, including on a PSL cricket match in Rawalpindi, were repelled.
On May 9 and 10, India again attempted airstrikes, but Pakistan responded with full force using JF-17 Thunder and J-10C fighter jets, destroying India’s S-400 air defense systems and multiple airfields.
Overwhelmed by Pakistan’s military response, India appealed to the U.S. for a ceasefire. According to international reports, including a CNN interview with diplomatic editor Nick Robertson, the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Turkey played key roles in brokering a ceasefire, later confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump on social media.
In a follow-up statement, President Trump expressed willingness to engage with both countries to help resolve the long-standing Kashmir dispute, signaling a potential shift in global diplomatic efforts surrounding South Asia’s most volatile flashpoint.
