Compiled by: Shruti Kapil, Head of Security & Mutual Dependence Desk and Pravar Petkar, Head of Strengthening Democracy Desk
The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which targeted civilians and marked a serious escalation in violence in Jammu and Kashmir, has reignited pressing concerns about the region’s security environment and its wider geopolitical ramifications. With preliminary evidence indicating the involvement of Pakistan-based terrorist groups, the incident highlights the persistent threat of cross-border militancy. For the United Kingdom, this is more than a distant security issue—it raises important questions about how it responds to terrorism abroad, the narratives it allows to shape public discourse, and the cohesion of its own diverse communities. Accurately framing such incidents is essential, both to uphold international norms and to safeguard the UK’s commitment to pluralism and mutual respect.
This paper explores the wider implications of the Pahalgam attack—regionally and internationally—and makes the case for why a clear-eyed assessment of such events is essential for informed UK policy and social stability.
Read the full paper here: The Pahalgam Attack Briefing Paper
