Following Tuesday’s devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir—which left 28 people dead, including several tourists—Pakistan on Wednesday broke its silence, expressing concern but stopping short of condemning the attackers.
In its initial response, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the tragic loss of civilian lives, especially tourists, while carefully avoiding any direct criticism of the militant group behind the assault.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, meanwhile, categorically denied any link to the attack, asserting during an interview with Live 92 News that the violence in Kashmir is driven by what he termed a “locally fueled revolution.” Asif, a senior figure in the ruling PML-N and a close confidant of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, instead accused India of fostering unrest within Pakistan’s borders.
The coordinated attack unfolded in the remote Baisaran meadow—a picturesque yet secluded destination accessible only by foot or pony—catching tourists and locals off-guard. The ferocity of the ambush, which left dozens wounded, prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cut short his diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia and return to India to address the crisis.
Although New Delhi has yet to officially blame Pakistan-based terror outfits, the Resistance Front (TRF)—a shadowy group suspected to be an offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba—has reportedly claimed responsibility. According to PTI, preliminary intelligence indicates that the attackers likely infiltrated from the Kishtwar region, navigating treacherous mountain trails through Kokernag to reach the attack site.
Security experts believe the remote terrain provided a strategic advantage, allowing the assailants to evade detection and execute the attack with deadly precision.
Reacting to the tragedy, Prime Minister Modi condemned the act in a post on X (formerly Twitter), offering condolences to the families of the victims and assuring that those responsible will face justice:
> “I unequivocally condemn the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Heartfelt condolences to the families mourning the loss of their loved ones. Wishing a speedy and full recovery to all those who have been injured.Every possible support is being extended to those impacted by this tragedy. The perpetrators of this brutal act will face justice—they will not escape accountability. Their malicious intentions will be defeated. Our commitment to eradicating terrorism is unwavering and only growing stronger.”
As regional tensions rise, India has yet to issue a formal rebuttal to Asif’s comments, but diplomatic friction between the two nuclear-armed neighbors appears poised to deepen further in the wake of the bloodshed.
