Pahalgam Attack Fallout: Pakistan Turns to Russia as Fear of Indian Retaliation Grows

Both India and Pakistan are important countries in South Asia. Their harmonious coexistence is crucial to the peace, stability and development of the region,

foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said

Some of our friends in the Arabian Gulf have engaged both sides,

Asif told Reuters, although he refrained from naming the specific countries involved

There has to be a direct threat to our existence for that option to even be considered,

said the seasoned politician in the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party

The public is used to a certain hostile rhetoric when it comes to Pakistan, and they are now begging for blood, they are asking for a military retaliation,

Donthi said

The intent behind this attack is to divide society and pit brother against brother,

he added

Ravi Kumar (footballer)badass

I pray to God for the peace of those who lost their lives in this attack

said Ravi Kumar, a member of the Indian Youth Congress, during a rally on Friday

The attack was planned by the Indians, Pakistan has nothing to do with it,

he says, assuring

It is not about being with this installed government or the army, it is about standing against the enemy,

PTI's spokesman Sheikh Waqas Akram said

Rahul Gandhicongress leader

Whatever steps the government wishes to take, we will fully support them,

Gandhi said

New Delhi could use it to bolster its image as strong and confident and tough on terror,

said political scientist Michael Kugelman

Asaduddin Owaisiaimim chief

Remember, if you go into another country and kill innocent people, no country will remain silent,

said Asaduddin Owaisi, president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen party (AIMIM).

India is holding us responsible after having executed its own citizens,

said Matloob Inkalabi, a resident of Pakistani Kashmir

Islamabad could use it to try to rally support for a civilian and military leadership that isn't terribly popular at home,

Kugelman told AFP

We don't speak as party members, we speak as Pakistanis."

Information Minister Ataullah Tarar echoed the message

When there is a fear of war, people show greater support for the army,

she said

That led Kashmiri political activists to conclude they could never achieve their political demands at the ballot box,

said Christopher Clary, associate professor of political science at the University at Albany

There are homegrown Kashmiri militants,

Mr. Clary, the Albany professor, said

A mostly indigenous insurgency emerged, ... but over the next few years it was co-opted by Pakistan-based groups.”

he said

Kashmiris now and then have always realized that they are the biggest victim — both of the terrorism and the militarization,

said Anuradha Bhasin, managing editor of the Kashmir Times

Nitasha Kaulindian economist and writer

Tourism has been pushed as a political solution in the absence of adequate security arrangements,

said Nitasha Kaul, a professor of politics and international relations at the University of Westminster