THE Kashmir conflict, which has persisted for more than seven decades, remains one of the most protracted and contentious territorial disputes in modern history. At its core lies the fundamental question of self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, a question that Pakistan has consistently championed at both regional and international forums. The future of Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir is inextricably linked to the realization of right of self- determination, the alleviation of human suffering under Indian occupation and the international community’s active intervention to uphold justice and law.

Since the illegal revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by India

When peace is targeted

FRIDAY prayers in Islamabad were shattered when a suicide bomber struck an Imambargah, killing at least thirty-two people and injuring dozens more. Families, elders and children were inside the mosque when the explosion tore through the entrance, sending worshippers fleeing in panic. Ambulances rushed through the capital, hospitals struggled to cope with the wounded and the streets around the mosque were filled with chaos and fear. The attack was not only a brutal act of violence but also carefully timed and calculated to make a statement at a moment when Pakistan was advancing on multiple fronts.

Moments like these feel senseless, almost incomprehensible, yet Pakistan has learned a hard truth that such attacks are rarely random. They are planned, staged and timed with cold precision. Imambargah was chosen because it symbolizes peace and community and Friday prayers were chosen to maximize the human cost. The timing reflected Pakistan’s growing prominence on the national and regional stage. The city was hosting high-level diplomatic visits from the Presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, highlighting Pakistan’s centrality in Central Asia and its role as a trade and transit hub, while security forces were conducting sweeping operations in Balochistan against militant networks. The attack came a day after Kashmir Solidarity Day, coincided with Lahore preparing for Basant and arrived as Pakistan quietly strengthened its influence in Middle East diplomacy, including Iran-US channels. It also struck at a moment when the economy, after years of turbulence, was showing signs of stability, markets were steady and growth and reform were being pursued. Every element of this violence was designed to disrupt momentum and test the nation’s confidence.

Terrorism relies not only on violence but on symbolism, aiming to show that progress is fragile, stability is fleeting and the state cannot protect its citizens. By attacking a mosque in the capital during Friday prayers at a moment of diplomatic activity and economic recovery, the perpetrators sought to signal that nothing is secure. Yet for more than two decades, Pakistan has faced relentless extremism, enduring........

© Pakistan Observer