The Washington Center for Human Rights (WCHR) is deeply concerned about the escalating armed conflict between India and Pakistan that has already caused substantial civilian loss of life on both sides of the border. The Center appeals to both governments to use maximum restraint, to stop the hostilities forthwith, and to live up to their responsibilities under international human rights and humanitarian law to safeguard civilian lives and property.
The new cycle of violence—Indian air strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-held Kashmir and Pakistani shelling across the Line of Control—comes on the heels of the gruesome massacre of at least 26 civilians in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22 by militant groups. The tit-for-tat military actions have heightened the violence, with civilian populations caught in the middle.
Escalation and Civilian Toll
On 7 May 2025, Indian troops launched airstrikes in Pakistan and Kashmir, which Pakistan holds. These attacks killed 31 civilians and injured a minimum of 57, among them children and families, per Pakistani authorities. There was an additional drone strike on 8 May that purportedly killed an additional civilian.
In return, Indian officials say that 15 civilians have been killed and more than 40 injured by Pakistani shelling in the Indian-administered Kashmir border areas since the airstrikes.
The current wave of armed militancy comes on the heels of the Pahalgam massacre in Indian-held Kashmir, in which five men from an armed militia are said to have opened fire on holidaymakers and families, leaving 26 dead. India asserts it has evidence the attackers were linked to Pakistan-based operatives, but Pakistan has rejected allegations and demanded an independent probe into the attack.
Violation of International Humanitarian Law
Deliberate or indiscriminate targeting of civilians, civilian residences, hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure amounts to a flagrant breach of the Geneva Conventions and customary international humanitarian law. The use of disproportionate force that cannot differentiate between military objectives and civilian targets is explicitly banned.
WCHR condemns any breaches of these principles, such as the illegal killing of civilians in Pahalgam and the inability of both India and Pakistan to respect non-combatants during their military operations.
Each civilian loss of life is a permanent tragedy—and completely avoidable according to the laws of war. Civilians should never be the cost of politics or revenge. Both governments are both legally and morally obligated to respect the dignity of life.
The Washington Center for Human Rights urgently appeals to the governments of India and Pakistan to:
- End all military activities, placing civilian populations at risk.
- Ensure respect for international humanitarian law, including distinction, proportionality, and necessity principles.
- Guarantee independent and impartial inquiries into the April 22 Pahalgam attack and the resultant military retaliation.
- Offer humanitarian relief to impacted civilian populations and facilitate access by international observers and humanitarian organizations.
- Avoid fueling tensions through unverified allegations or retaliatory language and focus on diplomatic efforts.
Washington Center offers condolences to all families mourning losses on both sides of the border. Justice and peace cannot be attained through revenge. Only through accountability, restraint, and respect for human rights can either nation advance toward enduring security.