ISLAMABAD: Foreign policy and security experts have emphasised that in the absence of direct communication channels, India and Pakistan have to rely on thirdparty mediation to de-escalate rising tensions as seen following the recent Pahalgam incident that triggered renewed hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS), Islamabad, hosted a roundtable titled `Post-Pahalgam Crisis: Policy Options for Pakistan`, convening former diplomats, retired defence officials and academics to assess the evolv-ing regional security climate and explore viable policy responses.

Notable speakers included former foreign secretary Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhary and retired Air Commodore Khalid Banuri, former director general of arms control and disarmament affairs at the Strategic Plans Division.

Ambassador Ali Sarwar Naqvi, executive director of CISS, chaired the session.

Amid the aggravating situation, participants warned that the lack of institutional dialogue and crisis-management mechanisms between India and Pakistan increased the risk of miscalculation and escalation.

`In the absence of any func-tional dialogue mechanisms and communication channels between the two states, the situation necessitates third-party involvement to de-escalate tensions,` read the roundtable`s official readout issued on Saturday.

The United States, Saudi Arabia and Gulf nations have historically played pivotal roles in crisis mediation between the two countries and did so again in the wake of the latest flare-up following the Pahalgam incident.

A major concern raised during the discussion was India`s aggressive use of disinformation.

Speakers condemned the spread of fake news by Indian authorities and media to shape public opinion and legitimisemilitary posturing.

According to the panel, India`s narrative included false claims disseminated through official channels and national media, as well as coordinated messaging on social media.

To counter this, the roundtable urged Pakistan to maintain its credibility by responding with verified information and consistent strategic communication.

`Pakistan needs to invest in building a cohesive international narrative,` the readout stated, noting that international media coverage in this case has largely reflected Pakistan`s position.

Another key recommendation was the need for vigilant monitoring of India`s growing conventional military buildup.Participants emphasised that a deeper understanding of India`s military trajectory is crucial to gauging its long-term regional objeetives.

`The situation is fraught with risks emanating from unintended consequences, they warned.

The discussion also touched upon India`s recent move to unilaterally withdraw from the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

Ambassador Naqvi described this as `a deliberate attempt to weaponise water against Pakistan,` calling the treaty guaranteed by the World Banka critical element of South Asian stability and legal cooperation.

He added that India`s unilateral actions undermine the region`s fragile equilibrium.