Hstorical record shows that Islamabad’s denials of complicity in cross-border terrorism almost always turn out to be at best economical with the truth. Take the bloodiest precedent: Mumbai, 2008
“Not us,” declared Islamabad within hours of the slaughter in Pahalgam, J&K, on April 22, when five gunmen lined up tourists, asked who among them was not Muslim, and executed 26 people.
The claim of innocence is familiar theatre. A quickly issued statement of sympathy is followed by an insistence that the killers were freelancing militants for whom Pakistan cannot be held responsible. It ought to convince no one.
The claim of innocence is familiar theatre. A quickly issued statement of sympathy is followed by an insistence that the killers were freelancing militants for whom Pakistan cannot be held responsible. It ought to convince no one.