Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, flanked by Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry and Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, strongly refuted Indian allegations regarding Pakistan’s involvement in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India.
In a press conference held in Islamabad, Dar condemned the killing of innocent civilians, emphasizing that no goal or ideology justifies such acts. “Taking one innocent life is equal to killing all of humanity — a belief deeply rooted in our national and Islamic values,” he said.
Rejection of Indian Allegations
Dar categorically stated that Pakistan had no connection to the Pahalgam incident. He criticized India for leveling baseless accusations without evidence and adopting a hostile posture immediately after the attack. “The entire region is under threat due to India’s irresponsible behavior,” he warned.
He expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the attack and highlighted Pakistan’s own sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism. “No other country has suffered more than Pakistan in this war,” he stated.
India’s History of Misdirection
The Deputy PM accused India of using such incidents to divert international attention from its internal issues, especially during foreign dignitaries’ visits. He drew parallels with previous events such as the Pulwama attack, suggesting that India follows a repeated pattern of blaming Pakistan without proof.
Dar questioned India’s motives, asking why such incidents conveniently occur during critical international engagements. He also criticized the Indian media’s orchestrated hype following these events.
Six Questions for the Global Community
Dar raised six pointed questions to the international community, including calls for accountability of India’s actions, skepticism about India’s propaganda, and warnings about regional instability, especially between nuclear-armed nations.
Warning on Water Politics
Dar also condemned India's alleged plans to unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling such a move illegal and provocative. He declared that any attempt to block Pakistan’s water flow would be considered an act of war. “Water is the lifeline of our people,” he asserted.
Preparedness for Defense
While reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, Dar warned that any Indian aggression would be met with a decisive response. “Our forces are alert and ready. We will respond at a time and place of our choosing,” he said.
DG ISPR’s Response
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif emphasized that terrorism knows no religion. Refuting the claim that only Hindu tourists were targeted in the attack, he presented a video statement from the brother of a Muslim victim, proving otherwise.
He questioned the plausibility of India’s narrative — particularly how authorities reached the crime scene and registered an FIR within 10 minutes — calling it “pre-scripted.”
Evidence of Indian Sponsorship
DG ISPR also pointed to suspicious pre-attack posts on Indian-affiliated social media accounts, highlighting a pattern of prior warnings about terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including incidents in Mianwali, Karachi, and aboard the Jaffer Express.
He asserted that India sponsors terrorism in Pakistan and manipulates incidents for political gains. As evidence, he cited the case of Zia Mustafa, a Pakistani prisoner allegedly killed in a fake encounter.
Media Manipulation and International Implications
Ahmed Sharif criticized Indian media for glorifying terrorists linked to attacks in Pakistan. He also noted that India’s alleged sponsorship of terrorism affects not only Pakistan but other countries like Canada, the US, and Australia.
He concluded by reiterating Pakistan’s demand for a credible, neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident. “Only a transparent probe can reveal the truth,” he stated.
