April 23, 2025 | Srinagar
A day after a devastating terror attack rocked the Pahalgam area in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, claiming the lives of at least 28 people—many of them tourists—Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stirred fresh controversy with a statement distancing his country from the incident and laying the blame squarely on India.
Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Asif said, “We have absolutely nothing to do with the attack. This is a homegrown issue for India.” His remarks, widely seen as insensitive and dismissive, have drawn sharp criticism from Indian officials and citizens alike, especially as the nation grapples with the horrific aftermath of the tragedy.
The deadly attack, which occurred on April 22, targeted a popular tourist convoy in the scenic Pahalgam region. Initial reports suggest that the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, causing chaos and leaving scores injured in addition to the 28 confirmed fatalities. The victims included families visiting the valley during the spring season, making the loss even more heart-wrenching.
On April 23, coffins carrying the victims were flown into Srinagar amid a somber atmosphere. Tearful relatives and local residents gathered at the airport and nearby hospitals, mourning the loss of innocent lives and demanding accountability. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has declared a three-day mourning period across the union territory.
While India has yet to officially attribute responsibility for the attack, security forces have launched a massive manhunt across South Kashmir. Intelligence agencies are investigating potential sleeper cells and possible foreign involvement.
However, Khawaja Asif’s statement has been viewed as an attempt to deflect attention from longstanding concerns about Pakistan-based terror outfits operating in the region. His labeling of the attack as “homegrown” was seen by many as adding insult to injury at a time of national grief.
Indian political leaders across party lines condemned the remarks. “This is not just an act of cowardice by the perpetrators but also a shameful abdication of moral responsibility by those who choose to trivialize such brutality,” said a senior official in New Delhi.
As the country mourns, the incident has reignited debates around the safety of tourists in conflict-prone areas and the international community’s role in holding terror sponsors accountable.
