Post by : Rameen Ariff

New Delhi, Nov 19, 2025: Tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified following claims from a high-profile Pakistani politician, Chaudhary Anwarul Haq, that his nation was involved in the car bomb explosion at Delhi's Red Fort on November 10. The tragic incident resulted in 15 fatalities and numerous injuries, marking one of the most severe terrorist assaults in the capital's recent history.

In a statement made shortly after the incident, Haq, a former 'Prime Minister' of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), addressed the PoK Assembly, saying, “I warned earlier; if you (India) continue your actions in Balochistan, we will retaliate from the Red Fort to the forests of Kashmir. Thankfully, our courageous individuals have accomplished this...”

While there has been no official reaction from Pakistan regarding Haq's assertion, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif cautioned that Islamabad cannot dismiss the looming threat of an “all-out war” with India, as the country remains on “full alert” given the escalating regional tensions.

Background on India-Pakistan Tensions
Accusations of India inciting trouble in Balochistan are often levied by Pakistan, claims New Delhi refutes as a method to detract from Pakistan's own support of cross-border terrorist activities. Investigations into the Red Fort incident have identified a connection with the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terrorist organization backed by Pakistan. The vehicle used in the attack, a bomb-laden Hyundai i20, contained ammonium nitrate fuel oil, commonly associated with terrorist operations.

Investigation Reveals Jaish’s Involvement
Indian intelligence has linked the attack to a terror cell operating under a “terror doctor” network led by Maulvi Irfan Ahmed from Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir. Members of this group reportedly include healthcare professionals from Al-Falah Medical College in Haryana, with Dr. Umar Mohammad identified as the suicide bomber. The operation, coordinated by Ahmed and a Pakistan-based operative Umar-bin-Khattab (Hanjullah), has direct ties to JeM leadership.

Reports indicate JeM is actively fundraising for future “fidayeen” missions in India via digital avenues, such as a Pakistan-based app named SadaPay. Alarmingly, the group has initiated a women’s wing, spearheaded by Masood Azhar’s sister Sadiya Azhar, to facilitate terror operations. A key suspect, Dr. Shahina Saeed, known by the codename “Madam Surgeon,” is believed to have provided financing for the Red Fort operation and may have ties to this unit.

Rising Threats in Jammu & Kashmir
Recent intelligence suggests a potential surge in Pakistan-supported terrorism within Jammu and Kashmir. Organizations such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, heavily funded by Pakistan's military, are reportedly preparing coordinated assaults. Both groups have been implicated in lethal attacks within India over the last six months.

The Stakes for India and the Region
The Red Fort bombing and Haq's blatant admission of Pakistan's involvement have amplified security alarms across India, particularly within sensitive border zones and the national capital. Local authorities remain on high alert as they continue to pursue leads to capture any remaining attackers. This incident emphasizes the ongoing threats of cross-border terrorism and the urgent need for enhanced vigilance in counter-terrorism strategies.

As diplomatic tensions escalate, India-Pakistan relations appear increasingly fragile, raising fears of potential retaliatory responses and highlighting the overarching regional instability fostered by cross-border terrorism.

#Global