It’s time to wipe out Pakistan’s terror network like Israel did to Hamas in Gaza, suggests former US Pentagon official
“That is exactly what went on when the October 7th, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. It was directed specifically against Jews, and not only against Jews, but among the most liberal Jews who were most prone to wanting peace and normalcy with the Gaza Strip,” Rubin told ANI.
“Targeting a vacation resort, middle-class Hindus, it is evident that the Pakistanis are trying the same tactic now. It should be no more successful for Pakistan than it was for Hamas,” he added.
Rubin argued that the Pahalgam assault wasn’t random but symbolic—an attempt to fracture pluralism and target those most inclined toward peaceful coexistence. He also called for a direct response by India.
At least 26 civilians were killed on Tuesday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. The massacre occurred in Baisaran meadow, a popular picnic spot 7 kilometres from Pahalgam. Armed attackers—disguised in Indian Army fatigues—ambushed tourists, asking them to identify their religion by reciting Islamic verses. Those who failed were gunned down at close range. Survivors described the horror of a peaceful afternoon turning into carnage.
The region, known for its scenic beauty and guarded by security forces, had seen a rise in tourist footfall in recent years. Tuesday’s assault, however, has shattered that fragile sense of normalcy.Also Read: After Pahalgam attack, Pakistan to test surface-to-surface missile off Karachi coast after India downgrades tiesRubin argued that the Pahalgam assault wasn’t random but symbolic—an attempt to fracture pluralism and target those most inclined toward peaceful coexistence. He also called for a direct response by India.
“It’s time to wipe out the leadership of the ISI”
Rubin urged India to respond with the same clarity Israel showed after the Hamas attack.
“And frankly, it’s now the duty of India to do to Pakistan and to Pakistan’s ISI what Israel did to Hamas. It’s time to wipe out the leadership of the ISI, to treat them as a designated terror group, and demand that every country that is an ally of India, every country that is an ally of the world’s largest democracy, do the same,” he said.
He accused Pakistan of sheltering militant outfits and manipulating global diplomacy.
“We know that Pakistan is home to a myriad of terrorist groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba… Unfortunately, because of a lack of concerted counter-terror action, because Pakistani diplomats are playing the West for fools, we now have an expansion of the problem, not only in Pakistan but frankly in Bangladesh as well,” Rubin stated.
Also Read: Pahalgam attack: India downsizes diplomatic ties with Pakistan; how will it impact embassy, defence personnel?
Linking the attack to Pakistani military rhetoric
Rubin also pointed fingers at Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir. Two days before the attack, Munir referred to Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein”—a remark Rubin interpreted as incitement.
“Certainly that speech seemed to green light terror. Asim Munir said that Kashmir is the jugular vein. What India now needs to do is to cut Pakistan’s jugular. There’s no ifs, ands, or buts. There are no shortcuts anymore. Asim Munir gave the green light,” Rubin said.
Also Read: Pak army chief Asim Munir a terrorist like Osama Bin Laden: Top US security expert links Pakistan role in Pahalgam attack
Ex-top cop sees ‘Pulwama 2.0’ moment
Former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Shesh Paul Vaid also drew parallels between the Pahalgam incident and Hamas’s attack on Israel. Speaking to ANI, he said, “This was a Hamas-style attack on 7 October on Israel. It’s not a coincidence that Asim Munir uttered illogical words two days back, and then such an attack takes place where the religion of the tourists was asked.”
“Our response should be appropriate, something like how Israel responded,” he added.
Also Read: India acts tough after Pahalgam attack: Military options on table, diplomacy downgraded
Hamas visits and Pakistan military links
According to ANI reports quoting intelligence sources have confirmed multiple visits by Hamas leaders to Pakistan over the past year. A Hamas delegation reportedly visited Jaish-e-Muhammed’s headquarters in Bahawalpur and inspected a Pakistani Army combat simulation centre. The facility was recently inaugurated by General Asim Munir himself. The Bahawalpur Corps, which hosts the centre, is strategically located near India’s Rajasthan border and is tasked with rapid deployment capabilities.
These developments have raised alarms about possible coordination between Pakistani military figures and international terror outfits like Hamas.
Also Read: Pakistan terror groups have limitless America-made M4 rifles
India’s diplomatic countermeasures
In response to the attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 and shut down the integrated check post at Attari, intensifying diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. The Indian government has signalled that this is only the beginning of a broader strategy against cross-border terrorism.
By escalating the diplomatic and strategic stakes, New Delhi hopes to curb what many see as state-backed terror from across the border.
Also Read: Pahalgam attack: India suspends Indus Waters Treaty, seals Wagah-Attari border, cancels visas for Pakistanis; Key govt decisions
