Following a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has denied any involvement, calling the violence “home-grown” and part of a local rebellion against India.
In an interview, Asif rejected any connection between Pakistan and the attack that killed 28 people at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam. His comments came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shortened his visit to Saudi Arabia to return home because of the attack.
Asif said, “Pakistan has no connection with this.” He argued that the violence was a result of local uprisings in various parts of India, such as Nagaland, Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Manipur, and the south, not foreign interference.
This view is very different from India’s long-standing belief that Pakistan supports groups involved in terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Asif also claimed that the violence was a response to the treatment of minorities in India. He said, “These are people fighting for their rights. Hindutva forces are oppressing minorities, including Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists.”
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As tensions rose after the attack on unarmed tourists, Asif accused India of interfering in Pakistan’s internal matters. He claimed India is behind the unrest in Balochistan and said Pakistan has repeatedly provided evidence of India’s involvement in instability within Pakistan.
While Asif stated that Pakistan opposes terrorism, he also suggested that India’s treatment of its citizens was pushing people towards armed resistance. He argued that blaming Pakistan was an easy way for India to avoid addressing its own human rights issues.
The Indian government has not yet responded to Asif’s comments, which come at a time of rising security tensions.
