Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna has issued a direct warning to Islamabad against retaliating after India's recent counter-terrorism action, dubbed Operation Sindoor. The operation, carried out in the early hours of May 7, reportedly targeted and destroyed multiple terror facilities spread across nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Labeling Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir a "dictator," Khanna expressed deep concern over the growing volatility in the region. In an interview with CNN, he emphasized that with both India and Pakistan being nuclear-armed states, the focus must now shift from confrontation to calming the situation. Referring to the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, Khanna acknowledged India's response as a strike against terrorism but insisted that all parties must now work to prevent further escalation.
“We need de-escalation. Innocent people lost their lives in Pahalgam. India targeted some of the terrorist networks responsible. Now the critical step is to pull back from the brink,” he said.
Khanna also took aim at the political climate in Pakistan, criticizing the lack of democratic process and urging the U.S. to play a constructive role in stabilizing the region. He called on Pakistani authorities to release former Prime Minister Imran Khan and halt any retaliatory action. He stressed that there is no genuine democratic voice left in Pakistan under Munir’s leadership and urged for the restoration of fair electoral processes.
"Asim Munir governs without a mandate. Imran Khan remains imprisoned, and no legitimate democratic voices are heard. The U.S. should demand fair elections post-de-escalation and condition financial support—including IMF loans—on democratic reforms and restraint," Khanna stated.
He also highlighted the historical complexity of the India-Pakistan conflict, tracing roots to British colonialism, and argued for a nuanced understanding of regional dynamics. He urged the Biden administration to engage diplomatically and act as a neutral mediator.
Shortly after India launched strikes on the nine terror sites, intense shelling from Pakistan's side reportedly resulted in civilian casualties in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. At least 12 people, including four children, were killed and 57 injured, with several in critical condition, according to local authorities.
With the region on edge and international attention now focused on South Asia, Congressman Khanna's remarks underline growing pressure on both nations to exercise restraint and prioritize peace over provocation.