Pakistan Politician's Claims Stir Tensions Post Red Fort Bombing

Post by : Raina Nasser

New Delhi, Nov 19, 2025: The relationship between India and Pakistan has worsened following the assertions of a prominent Pakistani official, Chaudhary Anwarul Haq. He has alleged that his nation was directly involved in the car bomb attack at Delhi's Red Fort on November 10, resulting in 15 fatalities and numerous injuries—marking one of the capital's most lethal terrorist incidents in recent history.

In a statement made shortly after the assault, Haq, who is the former 'Prime Minister' of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), addressed the PoK Assembly, saying, “As I previously stated, if you (India) continue to disrupt Balochistan, we'll retaliate from the Red Fort to the woods of Kashmir. Our brave men have accomplished this with divine assistance.”

Although Pakistan has not released an official statement regarding Haq’s comments, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif cautioned that Islamabad cannot overlook the threat of a potential “all-out war” with India. The country remains on “full alert” amidst escalating tensions in the area.

Context of India-Pakistan Relations
Pakistan often blames India for instigating unrest in Balochistan, a claim that India refutes. New Delhi argues that such accusations serve to divert attention from Pakistan's backing of cross-border terrorism. Investigations into the Red Fort bombing have connected the attack to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terrorist organization reportedly supported by Pakistan. The vehicle used in the explosion was found to contain ammonium nitrate fuel oil, a substance typically utilized in terrorist incidents.

Investigation Uncovers Links to JeM
Indian intelligence has traced the group behind the assault to a “terror doctor” network led by Maulvi Irfan Ahmed, based in Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir. This network allegedly included medical professionals from Al-Falah Medical College in Haryana, with Dr. Umar Mohammad identified as the suicide bomber. The operation involved handlers such as Ahmed and the Pakistan-based operative Umar-bin-Khattab (Hanjullah), showing direct affiliations with JeM’s leadership.

Officials reported that JeM is actively engaged in raising funds for forthcoming “fidayeen” attacks in India through digital platforms, including a Pakistan-centric app named SadaPay. Alarmingly, they have also launched a women’s wing, led by Sadiya Azhar, the sister of Masood Azhar, to manage terror operations. A notable suspect, Dr. Shahina Saeed, known by the codename “Madam Surgeon,” is suspected of financing the Red Fort incident and might be associated with this unit.

Increasing Threat Levels in Jammu & Kashmir
New intelligence gathered by Indian agencies points to a likelihood of intensified Pakistan-backed terrorist activities in Jammu & Kashmir. Organizations like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, significantly funded and supported by Pakistan’s military, are reportedly plotting a new wave of coordinated strikes. Both groups have a history of conducting severe attacks in India over the last six months.

The Implications for India and Regional Stability
The Red Fort explosion, coupled with Haq’s blatant assertion of Pakistani involvement, has amplified security alarms throughout India, especially in the capital and sensitive frontier areas. Law enforcement remains on high alert as investigations continue to pinpoint and capture remaining operatives. This event underscores the enduring threat posed by cross-border terrorism and the imperative to enhance counter-terrorism measures.

As the diplomatic and security dynamics evolve, the relationship between India and Pakistan is facing heightened strain, raising concerns over possible retaliatory responses and emphasizing the broader regional instability exacerbated by cross-border terrorism.