Pahalgam Terror Attack: Toronto Vigil Demands Canada Designate Pakistan as Terrorist State

Hundreds unite across communities in Toronto, condemning Islamist extremism and urging stronger Canadian action against Pakistan-backed terrorism.

Toronto [Canada], April 27:
On a cold night in Toronto, over 500 Canadians from diverse backgrounds staged a powerful candlelight vigil and rally, demanding Canada designate Pakistan as a terrorist state in response to the recent massacre of Hindus in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Organised by Hindu Forum Canada, COHNA, and other Hindu organizations, the rally drew Hindus, Jews, Baloch, Iranians, and Canadians of various faiths. Marchers moved through the city streets chanting “Pakistan Murdabad” and calling for decisive action against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

Speakers across communities denounced the growing threat of Islamist-Jihadi extremism and emphasized the need for immediate, united global action. The rally paid tribute to the Pahalgam victims with candles, prayers, and a clear message: terrorism must be confronted, not ignored.

Drawing comparisons to Israel’s experiences, participants cited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s warning that “what happened in Israel can happen anywhere,” linking the Kashmir attack to the broader threat of global extremism.

The gathering also slammed the selective outrage seen globally — noting the stark silence from those who had earlier protested for Gaza but remained quiet after the massacre of Hindus. “Silence is complicity,” speakers declared, stressing that terror against any community must not be ignored.

Journalist Daniel Bordman, warned of attempts to distort the Pahalgam attack narrative. “There’s already an effort to deny the atrocity or shift blame. We must stand firmly with the victims,” he said. Bordman, alongside Jewish, Iranian, and Baloch community members, highlighted the need for visible, immediate solidarity.

Bordman further cautioned that Kashmiri Hindus, victims of seven genocides historically, face the threat of an eighth if the world remains indifferent. Critiquing Canada’s muted response, he urged Ottawa to explicitly support India and take a firmer stance against terror.

“Canada must name India in its solidarity statements. Silence and neutrality only embolden terrorists,” Bordman asserted. He warned that ideological extremism abroad, if left unchecked, would eventually impact the West as well.

The rally’s core message echoed through Toronto’s streets: terrorism knows no borders, and unity, vigilance, and strong action are essential to defeat it.