In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed over 25 lives, Pakistan has issued its first official response, strongly denying any involvement. This incident has sent shockwaves across India, with many demanding accountability and swift action. The attack, suspected to have been carried out by heavily armed militants, targeted civilians, and marks one of the deadliest assaults in the region in recent times.

Pakistan's defence minister breaks silence

Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s Defence Minister, was quick to release a statement just hours after the attack made headlines. “Pakistan has no link with the Pahalgam terror attack,” Asif declared, adding that the country opposes terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

In a direct move to deflect blame, Asif suggested that the incident was not a result of cross-border actions, but rather stemmed from India’s internal issues. “The Central government in India is facing protests in many states, including Nagaland, Manipur, Kashmir, and Chhattisgarh. This is home-grown as the government is exploiting many,’’ he stated.

Attempt to shift blame to internal unrest

By linking the attack to domestic unrest in India, Pakistan appears to be taking a familiar stance—disassociating itself from terror activities in the Kashmir region while blaming India’s own political and social climate. This aligns with Pakistan’s long-standing narrative of denying involvement in cross-border terrorism and highlighting alleged human rights issues in Indian-administered Kashmir.

According to Asif, “The unrest in India is widespread, and the anger among communities is being channelled dangerously. The government’s policies are causing friction.” While this claim lacks substantiated proof, it indicates Pakistan’s attempt to reframe the narrative from international aggression to internal instability within India.

Diplomatic tensions rise post-attack

This statement from Pakistan comes at a time when India’s relationship with its western neighbour remains strained. The death of over 25 civilians in a single day has sparked outrage within India, with many calling for a review of national security policies and stricter border monitoring.

Indian authorities have not issued an official response to Pakistan’s claims as of yet. However, intelligence sources indicate that the attackers may have had links with Pakistan-based militant groups, though verification is ongoing.

Pattern of denial in cross-border terror attacks

Pakistan has historically denied its involvement in attacks within Indian territory, even in high-profile cases like the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and the 2019 Pulwama bombing. In each instance, Pakistani officials maintained that militant actors operate independently and are not sponsored or supported by the state.

However, international agencies and Indian intelligence reports have repeatedly pointed towards the involvement of Pakistan-based terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. These groups often receive logistical support, funding, and sanctuary across the border, according to Indian officials.

A tragedy in Pahalgam

The attack occurred in the early hours in Pahalgam, a picturesque town in South Kashmir known for its popularity among tourists and pilgrims. According to local authorities, masked assailants opened fire on a group of civilians, followed by multiple explosions, creating chaos and panic in the region.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, and rescue efforts are still ongoing. Hospitals in nearby districts are overwhelmed with injured survivors, while security forces have launched a large-scale manhunt for the perpetrators.

Impact on India’s security and political narrative

The timing of the attack is particularly critical. India is currently navigating multiple domestic protests, particularly in the northeast and tribal belts. The Lok Sabha elections are also around the corner, increasing political sensitivity.

The Central government is under scrutiny, especially after previous statements declaring improvements in Kashmir’s situation. Opposition leaders have called for an immediate briefing by intelligence agencies and a parliamentary session to address national security concerns.

Meanwhile, public anger has spilled onto the streets, with nationwide candlelight marches and calls for justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack.

Conclusion: A crisis with geopolitical undertones

The Pahalgam terror attack has reignited the India-Pakistan blame game that often follows such incidents. While Pakistan continues to assert non-involvement, Indian officials and experts remain skeptical, especially given the region's history of proxy wars and militant infiltration.

This tragedy not only highlights the fragility of peace in Jammu and Kashmir but also raises questions about India’s internal preparedness and external diplomatic strategy. With elections on the horizon and geopolitical stakes high, the coming weeks will be critical in shaping both public sentiment and foreign policy decisions.

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