Pahalgam Attack: Michael Rubin Calls for Tough U.S. Stance Against Pakistan

International Desk

Following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Michael Rubin, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former Pentagon official, has called for the United States to adopt a tougher stance against Pakistan in a recent article.

The April 22, 2025, attack in Pahalgam resulted in 26 deaths, including 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen. The attackers targeted tourists who were killed for refusing to disclose their religious identity. Rubin compared this attack to Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault on Israel, where liberal Jews were targeted. He argued that Pakistan is responsible for this attack, describing it as a reflection of Islamabad’s envy and failure against India.

In his article, Rubin urged the designation of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) as a terrorist organization and labeling Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism. He cited a recent speech by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir, who described Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein,” which Rubin interpreted as a green light for the attack. He compared Munir to al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden, stating, “The difference between Munir and bin Laden is that bin Laden lived in a cave, while Munir resides in a palace.”

Rubin noted that the timing of this attack coincided with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit to India, suggesting it might be a tactic to divert attention. He called on the United States to take India’s security concerns seriously and stop accepting Pakistan’s “diplomatic falsehoods” about reform. “Friendship with India cannot remain confined to speeches. Tough measures against Pakistan are necessary,” he said.

In response to the attack, India has announced stringent measures against Pakistan, including suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Attari border checkpoint. Rubin advised India to adopt retaliatory actions against Pakistan’s ISI leadership, akin to Israel’s measures.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for restraint from both nations. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has proposed an impartial investigation into the attack, although India has accused Pakistan of supporting terrorism.

This attack has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with the international community closely monitoring the developments.