On the first anniversary of the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan on Wednesday criticised India for failing to provide “credible evidence” to support its allegations against Islamabad.
In a televised statement, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said New Delhi had also avoided calls for an independent investigation, terming the incident a “false flag operation”.
The tensions between the two countries escalated last year following the attack in Pahalgam in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which resulted in 26 deaths. India had blamed Pakistan for the incident, an allegation Islamabad rejected while calling for a neutral inquiry.
Tarar said India followed the accusations with missile strikes inside Pakistan, which led to the deaths of civilians and security personnel. In response, Pakistan claimed it downed multiple Indian fighter jets, including Rafale aircraft, along with drones and a defence system.
The conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours ended on May 10 after a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.
In his remarks, Tarar said India has yet to provide satisfactory answers regarding the Pahalgam incident despite the passage of a year, adding that its narrative reflects inconsistency and lack of evidence.
He said India continues to portray internal issues as external matters, while presenting internationally recognised disputes as domestic concerns.
The minister noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had proposed an independent and impartial investigation into the incident, but India did not respond positively.
Tarar also pointed to the swift registration of a first information report shortly after the attack, calling it unusual and raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He said concerns had also been raised by segments of international media, civil society, and analysts.
Criticising Indian media coverage, Tarar said it contributed to a war-like atmosphere through what he described as unverified and exaggerated reporting.
He further alleged that India has been involved in destabilising activities, claiming Pakistan possesses evidence of such actions and has shared it with the international community.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance, Tarar said the country remains committed to combating terrorism and will continue to safeguard its sovereignty and security.
He added that any future escalation would be met with a decisive response, while stressing that Pakistan continues to pursue peace under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir.
