Hina Rabbani Khar, Pakistan’s former foreign minister, called India a “rogue state” in response to India’s precision strikes on nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These strikes, part of Operation Sindoor, targeted terror infrastructure following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. Khar’s remarks, shared via posts on X, accused India of violating international law and acting with impunity, sparking a diplomatic firestorm and a heated debate on Piers Morgan’s Uncensored. This article examines Khar’s statements, the context of Operation Sindoor, and the fallout.
In This Article:
Khar’s Accusations and the Debate
Khar, Pakistan’s foreign minister from 2011–2013, posted on X on May 7, stating India’s attacks showed it “has become an unrestrained rogue state” ignoring international law. On May 8, she escalated her rhetoric, calling India a “terrorist state” that threatens regional peace. In a Piers Morgan Uncensored debate on May 13, alongside Barkha Dutt and Ranveer Allahbadia for India, and Shehzad Ghias Shaikh for Pakistan, Khar faced intense questioning.
Dutt challenged her on Pakistan’s role in harboring terrorists like Osama bin Laden and Maulana Masood Azhar, citing Pakistan’s defense minister admitting to using terrorism as a tool. Unable to respond directly, Khar abruptly left the live debate, prompting mockery on X, with users posting, “Power cuts are so frequent in Pakistan, they happen when you’re losing a debate.”
Context: Operation Sindoor and India’s Response
Operation Sindoor was India’s retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, which heightened Indo-Pak tensions. India’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, defended the strikes, asserting no third-party mediation was needed on Kashmir and demanding Pakistan vacate PoK. Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi countered Khar’s “rogue state” claim, stating Pakistan’s history of sheltering terrorists like bin Laden and Dawood Ibrahim made it the true rogue nation. Khar’s remarks followed Pakistan’s broader frustration with India’s growing Western ties, as she had previously called India the “darling of the West” in 2023.
Public and Political Reactions
Khar’s exit from the debate fueled online criticism, with X users calling her “spineless” and questioning her credibility. Indian netizens highlighted Pakistan’s internal turmoil, including Imran Khan’s imprisonment and army-backed governance, as raised by Dutt.
Diplomatic and Regional Implications
Khar’s statements risk further straining Indo-Pak relations, already tense post-Pahalgam. Her accusations align with Pakistan’s narrative of deflecting terrorism allegations, but her debate walkout weakened her stance. India’s strikes, backed by its global allies, signal a shift toward proactive counter-terrorism, challenging Pakistan’s strategic position. The episode underscores the challenge of dialogue amid entrenched narratives.
-By Manoj H
