In a scathing critique following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, former Pentagon official Michael Rubin delivered a blistering indictment of Pakistan and its military leadership. Speaking to ANI, Rubin drew a stark parallel between Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir and the slain Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, remarking, “The only difference between Osama Bin Laden and Asim Munir is that Bin Laden lived in a cave, and Munir resides in a palace—but at their core, they are the same. Their fate should be no different either.”
Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, called for the United States to formally designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism and label Asim Munir as a terrorist, citing the military’s deep-rooted ties to terror networks operating across borders. He dismissed the idea that the Pahalgam massacre was spontaneous or unplanned, using the phrase “you can put lipstick on a pig” to criticize attempts to mask Pakistan’s involvement. He linked the timing of the attack to Vice President JD Vance’s diplomatic visit to India, drawing a historical parallel to similar provocations during President Bill Clinton’s 2000 visit.
Meanwhile, as families across India mourned the victims of the brutal attack at Baisaran meadow, the Indian government responded with sweeping diplomatic countermeasures. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced a major downgrading of bilateral ties with Pakistan. Measures include the immediate expulsion of Pakistani military attachés, suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, and the closure of the Attari land border crossing.
India also declared that the strength of diplomatic staff at both the Pakistani and Indian High Commissions would be slashed from 55 to 30 by May 1. Additionally, all Pakistani nationals currently in India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme have been ordered to leave the country within 48 hours. Misri added that Pakistan’s defence, military, naval, and air advisors stationed in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and must exit India within a week.
The message from New Delhi is unequivocal: cross-border terrorism will be met with uncompromising consequences. And from Washington’s foreign policy circles, voices like Rubin’s are demanding that the global response match the gravity of Pakistan’s actions.
Source: News Agencies