In its first official response to the recent terror attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, Pakistan has categorically denied any involvement.
Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, described the attacks as "home-grown," suggesting that they were linked to India's internal issues. Asif emphasized that Pakistan had no connection to the tragic incident. "Pakistan has no link with the Pahalgam terror attack," he stated, adding that the unrest faced by India in various regions such as Nagaland, Manipur, Kashmir, and Chhattisgarh was due to internal exploitation by the Indian government.
Asif further clarified that Pakistan does not support terrorism in any form and stressed that civilians should be protected from terrorist activities. He pointed out that if local forces oppose the Indian government, Pakistan is often unjustly blamed.
In a separate move, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its condolences to the victims' families. A spokesperson expressed concern over the loss of tourist lives in the Anantnag district and offered condolences to the bereaved families while wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.
Amit Shah visits Pahalgam
Following the attacks, India's Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, arrived in Srinagar, where he paid his respects to the victims at a Police Control Room. Shah met with the mourning families, offering assurances of justice. He also visited the attack site in Pahalgam's Baisaran region and chaired a high-level security meeting. The meeting was attended by Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and other senior officials.
Details of the Pahalgam attacks*
The terror attack unfolded on Tuesday, April 22, in Baisaran, a popular tourist spot in Pahalgam. As authorities continue their investigations, the security situation in the region remains tense.