Pakistan denies involvement in Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists in IIOJK

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif categorically denied Pakistan’s involvement in the recent Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where 26 Indian tourists were killed by unidentified gunmen on Tuesday.

Addressing the media, Asif said the situation in India is marked by widespread internal unrest.

“There are ongoing insurgencies in several Indian states. The people of Nagaland, Chhattisgarh, and Manipur are waging homegrown rebellions against the Delhi government, demanding their basic rights,” he remarked.

He criticised the Indian government’s treatment of minorities, stating, “The Hindutva regime is exploiting minorities. This uprising is a rebellion against oppression. We do not support terrorism anywhere, and innocent civilians should never be targeted in such conflicts.”

Asif further added, “If armed forces are suppressing fundamental rights and the people rise in resistance, how can Pakistan be held responsible for that?”

He went on to say that blaming Pakistan has become a convenient excuse for India.

“We have repeatedly provided evidence of Indian involvement in terrorism inside Pakistan. India is actively sponsoring unrest in Balochistan and is behind many destabilising activities across our country.”

The attack occurred in the Baisaran meadow area, about five kilometers from the tourist town of Pahalgam, a popular destination in occupied Kashmir.

Gunmen opened fire on tourists visiting the area, resulting in 26 casualties and injuring more than three dozen others. Several families, including children, were left traumatised by the violence.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia at the time, cut his trip short and returned to India following the incident.

Indian media has since intensified anti-Pakistan rhetoric and directed blame towards local Kashmiri Muslims. However, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and the Indian government has yet to release any concrete information about the perpetrators.