In its statement, Harvard Universityโs South Asia Institute also expressed its condolences to the victims of the attack
Following the organization of the โPakistan Conference 2025โ on April 27, Harvard Universityโs South Asia Institute has clarified its position. This is regarding the ensuing controversy, emphasizing that the event was independently arranged by students and their faculty advisor.
The University encountered criticism for hosting the conference merely five days after the Pahalgam terror attack. This happened in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists on April 22.
In its statement, Harvard Universityโs South Asia Institute also expressed its condolences to the victims of the attack.
โThe Institute supports academic research projects and works with other university partners on multiple events throughout the academic year. One such event was โThe Pakistan Conferenceโ, organised by students from Harvard. It was held on April 27, 2025,โ the statement read.
It then said, โIn accordance with our principles of operation, we did not consult any benefactor of the Institute regarding this conference. The students, along with their faculty advisor, independently determined the topics and speakers presenting,โ
โWe share the grief and anguish with our friends, colleagues, and loved ones in India who have been affected by the attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, and we offer our heartfelt condolences,โ the University added.
In light of the timing of the โPakistan Conferenceโ in relation to the Pahalgam terror attack, two Indian students spoke. Namely, Surabhi Tomar and Abhishek Chaudhari, they called on the university administration. This was to reconsider the involvement of Pakistani nationals. They urged the authorities to issue a statement denouncing the attack in Kashmir.
The letter by the students stated, โThese acts of violence were not indiscriminateโ they were calculated attacks based solely on religious identity.โ
The letter then read, โWhile formally denying involvement, Pakistanโs ministers and lawmakers have simultaneously issued aggressive warnings to India and reaffirmed their support for insurgent activity in Kashmir. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has even issued threats of retaliation, should India take any โkinetic stepโ in response.โ
There was more written in the letter, which addressed Harvard Universityโs statements.
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