Pakistan reacts to Pahalgam attack, terms terrorist attack as 'internal conflict within India'

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has issued its first response to the terrorist attack that took place at the Baisaran hill station in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Pakistan should not be blamed for the attack and claimed that it was an internal conflict within India, as part of a broader uprising against the Indian state. He said this while speaking to the country’s Live 92 News channel.

“Pakistan has no connection with the attack. From Nagaland to Kashmir, and in Chhattisgarh, Manipur, and even South India, uprisings are taking place. This attack is not the result of foreign involvement but is part of a series of regional revolts. These are people fighting for their rights. Hindutva forces are suppressing minorities, including Christians, Buddhists, and Muslims — that’s why people are reacting. India is supporting the conflict in Balochistan. We have repeatedly presented evidence that India’s hands are behind the instability in Pakistan,” the Pakistani Defence Minister said.

He added, “Pakistan stands against terrorism in all forms. India’s approach toward its own citizens is what sparks such conflicts. The army and police commit excesses against people who are denied their fundamental rights — and then Pakistan is blamed.”

However, India has not yet responded to Pakistan’s accusations.

In the attack at the Baisaran hill station in Pahalgam, terrorists dressed in military uniform descended the hills and opened indiscriminate fire on tourists. The assault left 29 people dead and over a dozen injured. Among the dead, two are reportedly foreign nationals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Indian leaders have made it clear that those responsible for the attack will not be spared. In light of the situation, reports suggest that Pakistan has increased security along its borders, and several social media posts have emerged in connection with this.