Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, Robin Raphel, has endorsed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s proposal to conduct an impartial investigation into the recent Pahalgam attack, warning that assigning blame within minutes of such incidents is “highly inappropriate.”
In an interview with journalist during a discussion at Harvard University for Geo News’ program Capital Talk, Raphel welcomed Pakistan’s offer to allow neutral experts to probe the attack. “Pakistan’s call for an independent investigation is a positive and constructive step,” she noted.
Commenting on India’s immediate accusations against Pakistan following the attack, Raphel remarked, “It is extremely inappropriate to point fingers within just five minutes of the incident. Due process and facts must guide such serious allegations.”
She further emphasized the need for international engagement to de-escalate the growing tension between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. “The international community must step in quickly to help reduce the current strain between India and Pakistan,” she said.
Raphel, a seasoned diplomat with decades of experience in South Asian affairs, cautioned that unchecked escalation could lead to regional instability. Her comments come at a time of heightened rhetoric and military alertness on both sides of the border.
