Pakistan plays the same game, only China remains supportive: former U.S. envoy's inquiry on Pahalgam attack in Beijing

India's former United Nations Standing Representative Syed Akbaruddin has publicly criticized China for supporting Pakistan's demand for the recent investigation into terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed out the strategic nature of the multilateral platform and the impact of geopolitical alliances on decision-making.“We need to understand that multilateral organizations are geopolitical playgrounds, so countries will be determined not based on the merits of the case, but on the connections with each country,” Akbaruddin told ANI. “We know the connection between Pakistan and China. In 2019, when Pakistan was not even a member of the Security Council, it was China who tried to discuss this agenda, similar to what Pakistan did here. It failed at that time, and that was when Article 370 was after Article 370. However, a permanent member did not succeed. Therefore, the relationship between the Chinese was soon known.
He further added: “This is a game that Pakistan plays regularly, it's a staggering game, it's a game whose only ally is its all-weather friend China, but the rest of the world has moved on and it takes it for Pakistan.”

When Pakistan faces retreating, no statements at the end of the UN meeting

Following international pressure, Pakistan calls for an emergency consultation by the UN Security Council in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. But the closed-door meeting in New York did not end with Pakistan’s support. According to sources cited by ANI, council members rejected Pakistan’s “false flag” narrative and raised thorny questions about the involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a banned terrorist organization with known relations with Pakistan.

The consultations reportedly included a strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack. Some members expressed concern that the attack appeared to target tourists based on their religious identities. Despite the serious tone of the discussion, the United Nations issued no official statement after the meeting, and Pakistan requested to be a non-permanent member.

India launches its largest civil defense drill since 1971

Amid rising tensions following the Pahalgam incident, India is conducting a comprehensive civil defense drill at 259 locations in 33 states and trade union territory. The exercise, scheduled to take place on May 7, is the most extensive since the 1971 Indian-Pakistan War. Preparations began a day ago, aiming to train civilians to conduct simulated operations on air strikes, emergency evacuation and residence safety. Volunteers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the National Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) are leading the practice. In India, formal wartime shelters are not common, in which case public infrastructure, such as subways, will be reused. Simulated attacks using air strike alerts, missile strike warnings and drone surveillance are part of the training. Each unit follows specific code words and timing instructions to mimic the actual conflict situation.

Kashmir and UP see active participation

In Jamu and Kashmir, the state authorities conducted rigorous rehearsals. Police and rescue teams conducted simulations, including emergency rescue operations on the Yarum River. Schoolchildren are also trained in how to deal with bombing threats and explain alarm alerts.

The focus of efforts is to raise awareness among students, and then they can inform their families and the wider community.

In Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, civil defense volunteers ran away through fire reaction exercises. They practice fire extinguishing, bringing injured people to safety, and following a dual alert system – first dangerous, then fully clear. Each drill lasts three to four hours and is considered a real-time emergency rehearsal.

Security suite, awareness and coordination

Authorities advise the public to prepare emergency kits. These include torches with extra batteries, bottled water, non-rotten food, first aid supplies, and cash in case of power outages or digital outages.

Hospitals, police forces, fire brigades and civilian volunteers are all part of the coordination exercise. The goal is to ensure that the community operates under pressure and responds quickly when an actual attack is underway.

Delhi tightens safety before exercise

In the national capital, police patrol the main public areas after instructions from the Joint Interior Ministry. Security has been improved around Connaught Place, India Gate, Janpath, Yashwant Place, Gole Market and other critical locations.

The team has been instructed to monitor the rental vehicle and identify any suspicious activity. With Delhi preparing for a nationwide exercise.

Tensions on the border

Training continued along the control lines in Jamu and Kashmir with the ceasefire violation. In response, the Indian army strengthened its combat posture.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the public that those responsible for the Pahalgam attack would be held accountable. On the other hand, Pakistani officials warned that any action in India would receive a strong response.

Due to pressured diplomatic channels, there is no solution to the Security Council discussion, and India's focus has shifted to ground preparation and civilian resilience.

(Input with ANI