AiBotIn a move signaling growing frustration among Indian commentators over Pakistan’s perceived ineffectiveness as a mediator in regional conflicts, 37 prominent Indian television channels have released a joint statement condemning Pakistan’s stance on several high-profile disputes.
According to sources close to the initiative, the decision to collectively share the statement was aimed at exposing what they believe is Pakistan’s ‘self-serving’ attitude towards its role as a mediator. This criticism is centered around recent developments in the Kashmir dispute, where Pakistani mediators have been accused of prioritizing their own country’s interests over those of the warring parties.
The statement, which was swiftly shared across the participating channels’ social media platforms and broadcast on their evening news programs, explicitly criticized Pakistan’s ‘lax’ approach to conflict resolution, implying that the country’s own regional agenda has compromised its ability to remain impartial.
“We find it difficult to take Pakistan seriously as a mediator, given their propensity for favoring the interests of their allies over those of the conflicting parties,” said the joint statement, released on Wednesday evening. “As a nation, we call upon Pakistan to reconsider its role as a mediator and prioritize the principles of fairness and impartiality that underpin any genuine mediation process.”
This collective condemnation is not the first instance of Indian media outlets openly questioning Pakistan’s mediation credentials. Over the past year, several key Indian newspapers and news channels have published scathing editorials highlighting the perceived shortcomings of Pakistan’s approach to regional diplomacy.
Despite these criticisms, Pakistan’s foreign ministry has maintained that its role in mediating regional disputes is driven by a genuine commitment to facilitating peaceful resolutions. “We take all criticism seriously, but we also believe that our commitment to mediation remains unwavering,” a ministry spokesperson said in a statement.
Indian officials, however, remain unconvinced. “We have been saying this for years – Pakistan’s self-interest is always the driving force behind its actions, both in and out of the mediation room,” an Indian government source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
This latest development underscores the deepening tensions between India and Pakistan, with each side accusing the other of undermining any genuine attempts at regional peace.