Canadian political leaders have strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali tourist. The attack, which occurred in the popular tourist area of Baisaran meadow on April 22, has been widely described as one of the most brutal strikes in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.
Senator Leo Housakos, a prominent Canadian lawmaker and former Speaker of the Senate, voiced his outrage over the incident, calling it a “barbaric assault on faith and humanity.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“The massacre of Hindu tourists in India is not just terrorism—it’s a barbaric assault on faith and humanity. The perpetrators must face swift and uncompromising justice. The world must not stay silent.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also issued a heartfelt statement condemning the violence and extending condolences to the victims’ families.
“I am horrified by the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, a senseless and shocking act of violence that has killed and injured innocent civilians and tourists,” said Carney. “Canada strongly condemns this terrorist attack. We offer our condolences to the victims and their families.”
The Indian government, in response to the attack, convened an emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the meeting, India announced a series of strong countermeasures aimed at pressuring Pakistan to end its support for cross-border terrorism.
Among the decisions:
- The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance.
- The Attari Integrated Check Post has been shut down, with limited return passage allowed until May 1.
- Pakistan’s SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) participation has been suspended, and all SVES visas issued to Pakistani nationals have been cancelled.
- Pakistani military advisors posted in New Delhi have been declared Persona Non Grata and must leave within a week.
- India will also withdraw its own military advisors from Islamabad, reducing the diplomatic presence on both sides to 30 officials by May 1, 2025.
The Indian government emphasized that these actions reflect its unwavering stance against terrorism and its commitment to safeguarding national security.
As global leaders continue to express support for India, the international community’s growing consensus against terrorism is evident. Calls are mounting for a collective response to prevent such tragedies and ensure justice for the victims of the Pahalgam massacre.