Pakistan has expressed deep sorrow and concern over the tragic killing of 26 tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), including two foreign nationals, in a brutal gun attack at the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam in Anantnag district.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday, also left at least 12 people injured. Most of the victims, according to Indian media reports, hailed from the Indian states of Gujarat and Karnataka.
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Office extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the swift recovery of those injured. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives in Anantnag. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families during this difficult time,” the spokesperson said in an official statement.
Leaders across the political spectrum in the region, including former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, have condemned the attack and expressed regret over the loss of life.
Despite the lack of evidence, Indian media outlets have once again hastily blamed Pakistan for the attack, echoing a pattern of unsubstantiated allegations that have frequently followed incidents of violence in the region.
Pakistan has reiterated its call for a transparent investigation into the attack and urged restraint from speculative accusations that further strain regional peace.
