Pakistan on Wednesday expressed grief over the killing of tourists in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam area.
Responding to media queries, the Foreign Office spokesperson said, “We are concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives in an attack in Anantnag district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. We extend our condolences to the near ones of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
The spokesperson also criticised the Indian media for its “irresponsible and baseless accusations” against Pakistan in the immediate aftermath of the attack, calling it a “knee-jerk reaction driven by political motives.”
“This has become a predictable pattern of blame without proof, used to distract from India’s own governance and security failures in the region,” the spokesperson added.
The attack occurred on Tuesday in the Baisaran meadows near the tourist town of Pahalgam. According to Indian officials and media reports, at least four unidentified gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists from close range, killing 26 and injuring more than 30 others—some critically. The assailants fled the scene, prompting a manhunt by Indian security forces.
Indian police have termed it a “terror attack” but, as of Monday evening, no group had claimed responsibility.
Jammu and Kashmir’s former chief minister Omar Abdullah termed the assault “one of the worst attacks on civilians in recent years,” adding that such incidents raise questions about the region’s security situation despite a heavy military presence.
While Indian media outlets quickly pointed fingers at Pakistan, international observers and rights activists have cautioned against politicising the tragedy without thorough investigation. Analysts have noted that Indian narratives often ignore local dynamics, including unrest stemming from political disenfranchisement and human rights abuses in the occupied region.
The attack comes amid growing concerns over instability in the Valley, with critics accusing the Indian government of using national security rhetoric to stifle dissent and divert attention from domestic issues.
Donald Trump condemns attack on tourists in occupied Kashmir
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has also condemned the attack on tourists in occupied Kashmir.
Condemning the incident, the US President said in his special statement that the news of the attack on tourists in occupied Kashmir was disturbing and he prays for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.
Trump said that he has deep sympathy for the families of those killed in the attack.
