Senior Pakistani journalist and analyst Najam Sethi has strongly rejected India’s baseless accusations following the Pahalgam attack, effectively silencing an Indian journalist during an interview.
In a recent interview with senior Indian journalist Karan Thapar, Sethi discussed the Pahalgam attack and the ensuing tensions between Pakistan and India. Sethi labeled the incident a “false-flag operation” and suggested that powerful covert elements within India were likely behind the attack.
When Thapar inquired about the Pakistani government’s claims of the attack being a “false-flag operation,” Sethi responded unequivocally, stating, “I personally believe that some powerful secretive forces in India were involved in this incident. There is no ambiguity in my mind about this.” He also raised questions about the security forces’ failure and intelligence lapses surrounding the attack.
Sethi criticized the Indian media for not holding the Indian government accountable. “We feel that the interests of the Indian state, or particularly powerful secret elements within India, are more apparent behind this incident,” he said.
Sethi reassured the Indian journalist that Pakistan’s response to India’s baseless allegations was measured and not emotionally charged. “Our response has not been one of war-mongering or provocation. If you ask your people to look at the memes circulating on social media, they will realize that the Pakistani public is not taking this matter seriously, though the government is,” Sethi noted.
He further explained that the Pakistani public is astonished by the speed with which India points fingers at Pakistan. “While Indian news studios have become battlefields, there is no such environment in Pakistan. Here, the discussion is not about war, but rather about what India might do next. We don’t know what India will do, but we know that we have a response to whatever they attempt.”
Sethi also reaffirmed Pakistan’s confidence in its military, stating that the Pakistani public trusts its armed forces to respond effectively in case of any escalation.
Sethi made it clear that if India had any evidence regarding the Pahalgam attack, it should be presented not to the Indian media, but to Pakistan and the international community. “The Pakistani government has responded responsibly by urging India to involve the Americans and other parties in this matter and allow for independent investigations,” Sethi said.
He added that the issue was no longer just between India and Pakistan but also involved China, noting the growing strategic and economic ties between Pakistan and China, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). “If tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, China’s response will be significant,” he warned.
Thapar also questioned Sethi about Pakistan’s recent statement, which was perceived by many as a veiled threat of nuclear retaliation in case India tried to block Pakistan’s water supply. Sethi confirmed that the statement was serious, citing Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine, which has been built around specific red lines.
He explained: “If Indian forces cross the border and occupy significant portions of Pakistani territory, such as Azad Kashmir, Pakistan will use tactical nuclear weapons to destroy enemy forces. If India attempts to blockade Karachi, choking Pakistan’s economy, Pakistan will use nuclear weapons. And if India tries to divert Pakistan’s water supply or cause famine, Pakistan will use nuclear weapons.”
Sethi’s firm stance on the matter underscored Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to its nuclear policy and its readiness to protect its sovereignty and resources at all costs.
