“We Have Nothing to Do With This”: Pakistan Denies Role in Pahalgam Terror Attack, Blames India Instead

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which has left India in mourning and outrage, Pakistan has issued its first statement — a mix of denial and controversy. So far, 27 people have been confirmed dead in the attack, most of them tourists.

"We have nothing to do with this..." — Pakistan's first response to the Pahalgam attack; blames India instead. Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, speaking to a local television channel, said, “Pakistan has nothing to do with this attack. We condemn all forms of terrorism.” However, he went on to suggest that the attack might have been orchestrated by Indians themselves, claiming, “There are people in India — in Nagaland, Manipur, and Kashmir — who are against the government. The Indian government is oppressing minorities, whether Buddhists, Christians, or Muslims. That’s why people are speaking out.”

Meanwhile, a past statement made by Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, is resurfacing and gaining attention. Speaking at an event in Islamabad on April 16, Munir had said, “Kashmir is our jugular vein — it was, it is, and it will remain so. We will never forget Kashmir. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers alone in their struggle.” This statement is now being viewed in India in the context of the recent terror attack, and many see it as a reflection of Pakistan’s anti-India stance. Public anger against Pakistan has intensified following the Pahalgam massacre.

Defence analysts and political leaders in India are accusing Pakistan of duplicity — publicly distancing itself from the attack while simultaneously provoking tensions through inflammatory rhetoric. They argue that while Pakistan claims innocence, its military leadership continues to fan the flames of conflict over Kashmir.