New York/IBNS: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members grilled Islamabad over the Pahalgam terror attack, nuclear rhetoric and missile tests amid the simmering tension between India and Pakistan, media reports said.

The UNSC members posed some tough questions to Pakistan over the involvement of Islamabad-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba's involvement in the terror attack that killed 26 tourists, mostly Hindus and all men, in the popular tourist spot of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan, one of the 10 non-permanent members of the UNSC, had tried to internationalise the Kashmir situation by requesting for closed-door consultations amid the escalation of tensions between the two nuclear power-armed South Asian neighbours.

The UNSC members have reportedly condemned the attack and asked Pakistan for accountability.

Pakistan envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said his country has rejected the terror allegations and called the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty a violation of international law.

Ahmad said, "​We expressed grave concerns over India's recent unilateral measures, particularly the illegal actions of April 23 military buildup and inflammatory public statements. These actions alongside credible intelligence of potential escalation, have dangerously raised tensions. While Pakistan does not seek confrontation, we are fully prepared to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter.  When peace is threatened in a region home to one-fourth of humanity, it becomes a global issue.

"We categorically rejected India's attempt to implicate Pakistan in the April 22 terrorist attack, which has been condemned by Pakistan and all members of the council. But what India is claiming is nothing but recycled allegations and unsubstantiated, unverified design to serve its political interest and strategic objectives which include its efforts to divert its attention from its repression and human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir and to undermine the legitimate Kashmiri struggle for self-determination."

Pahalgam attack and its repercussions

On April 22, 2025, the terrorists- belonging to The Resistance Front (TRF), which is an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)- asked the victims to chant Islamic verses (kalma) and made them pull down their pants to be sure of their their non-Muslim religious identities (read circumcision)  before gunning them down before their families, including wives, children and daughters.

The massacre triggered nationwide outrage and escalated India-Pakistan tensions as New Delhi vowed to avenge the killings.

In an immediate response, India suspended the landmark Indus River water-sharing treaty and closed the Attari-Wagah road border, which acts as a lifeline of Indo-Pak trade and people-to-people ties, besides expelling diplomats, downsizing high commissions, and issuing a 48-hour deadline to Pakistani visa holders present in India to leave.

Modi gives full freedom to Indian military

Modi has given the armed forces 'complete freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing' of India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack which was targeted at Hindus.

Modi took the decision at a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that it is 'our national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism' and that he has 'complete faith and confidence' in the Indian military.

After the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, India conducted precision air strikes on terrorist camps in Balakot in Pakistan. The camps were run by banned terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed with the help from the Pak Army.