A Pakistani Ranger detained by BSF along the Rajasthan border :::: Will Muslim countries focus more on economy and dump Pakistan

A Pakistani Ranger was detained by the BSF along the Rajasthan border amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, days after a BSF jawan was held by Pakistani forces following a cross-border incident.  

Pahalgam terror attack: Local who opened shop 15 days ago but not on day of incident under NIA scanner

The arrest of Pak soldier comes days after a BSF jawan was detained by Pakistani Rangers after he accidentally crossed the border, as tensions between the two countries run high following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22. 

The Pakistani Ranger has been taken into custody by the Rajasthan Frontier of the BSF, sources said. Officials have not disclosed the identity of the detained Ranger or the specific circumstances leading to his capture. 

On April 23, a day after the Pahalgam attacks, a BSF jawan, Purnam Kumar Shaw, was detained by the Pakistani forces along the international border in Punjab. Despite strong protests from the Indian side, Pakistan has refused to release him, even though such incidents, from either side, are typically resolved in a single flag meeting.

The BSF has launched an enquiry into the detention of Shaw and a formal protest note has been sent to the Pakistan Rangers. However, they have remained "non-committal" regarding the constable’s whereabouts or the timeline for his return.

Despite multiple flag meetings held between the two sides, there has been no definitive assurance from Pakistan. 

Following the incident, the BSF has issued a strict advisory to its personnel, urging heightened vigilance while on duty, particularly in light of the increased tensions between India and Pakistan. Jawans have been asked to be extra cautious and avoid inadvertently crossing the border during patrol duty. Even the farmers working on farms at the borders have been asked to be vigilant, according to officials.

Omar Abdullah discusses J&K situation with PM Modi in 1st meet after Pahalgam attack

The meeting at the prime minister's residence lasted around 30 minutes 

At a key security meeting on April 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the armed forces have full operational freedom to determine the mode, targets, and timing of India’s response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

“It is our national resolve to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism,” Modi said, according to sources in the government.

“They (armed forces) have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of our response,” the prime minister added.

Even as tension between India and Pakistan have reached new heights, Pakistan is finding itself gradually isolated.

Most Muslim countries are prioritizing their geopolitical and economic benefits over showing religious solidarity with Pakistan. 

Iran and Turkey are moving towards diplomatic solidarity, while Gulf countries are valuing economic and regional stability. 

Iran has already proposed mediation to reduce tensions and has positioned itself as a neutral party rather than supporting Pakistan. 

Saudi Arabia did not issue any strong statement regarding the Pahalgam attack and considers Kashmir a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. 

Perhaps much to the setback for Islamabad; Saudi Arabia does not want to get embroiled in any controversy and is focusing under ‘Vision 2030’ on increasing its revenue streams. 

In this focused attention, obviously India’s role is crucial.

Qatar has also maintained neutrality in this matter and its foreign policy focuses on economic stability and remaining neutral in regional disputes. It prioritizes economic interests over religious unity.  

The UAE of course criticized India for the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) but did not openly support Pakistan. The UAE’s $85 billion trade with India and its dependence on Indian labour and investment compel it to adopt a balanced stance.  

Iran has proposed mediation to reduce tensions and has presented itself as a neutral party. Sources say that Iran’s current diplomacy is an attempt to maintain regional stability and its economic relations with India. Iran considers India an important trading partner, especially in the context of the Chabahar port project, and therefore is not openly speaking in favour of Pakistan.

Historically, Turkey has supported Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, but this time its stance is measured. 

Turkey’s $10 billion trade with India in 2024 is forcing it to avoid confrontation with India. 

Turkey’s response is limited to diplomatic statements, reflecting its efforts to maintain economic relations with India and avoid confrontation. Turkey recently issued a clarification that it is not supplying weapons to Pakistan.