Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan on Thursday strongly rejected India’s baseless allegations and propaganda linking it to the Pahalgam attack, stating that New Delhi was actively promoting a “false narrative” while the region continues to face heightened tensions.
The attack, which took place on April 22, 2025 in Pahalgam, resulted in the deaths of 26 people, the majority of them tourists. It is regarded as the most deadliest attack in the disputed Himalayan territory since 2000. India immediately pointed fingers at Pakistan, however no evidence was provided to support the allegation. Islamabad rejected the claim outright and demanded an impartial and transparent investigation.
As the first anniversary of the incident was marked, certain voices within India once again drew connections between Pakistan and terrorism-related incidents.
At the same time, the Indian army stated that a “response is assured” against acts of terrorism.
In reaction to these developments, Foreign Office in Islamabad, without naming any specific statement, said India had revived unfounded accusations. It stated: “At a time when Pakistan, along with its international partners, is undertaking concerted diplomatic efforts for regional and international peace and security, it is deplorable that India has once again resorted to a campaign of baseless allegations and propaganda to link Pakistan with the Pahalgam incident.
“It is unfortunate that, in the midst of an ongoing regional crisis, India remains focused on weaponising its false narrative against Pakistan for narrow domestic political gains.”
The FO further referred to the brief but intense military confrontation that occurred in May 2025 after the Pahalgam incident. It remarked: “After receiving a befitting reply to its misplaced adventurism in the form of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos last year, such allegations constitute yet another chapter from India’s playbook of creating a smokescreen for its continued sponsorship of terrorism across the region.”
It added that such narratives could not shift global attention away from Kashmir, saying: “It said fact remained that such propaganda campaigns could not distract the international community’s attention from India’s continued occupation of Kashmir and its denial of the right to self-determination to the Kashmiris, in violation of relevant UN resolutions.”
The statement went on to accuse India of destabilising the region through aggressive rhetoric and policy measures, adding: “Nor can such gimmicks conceal the fact that India continues to undermine regional peace and security by resorting to inflammatory rhetoric, repeated provocations, and aggressive military posturing, including its illegal unilateral action to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, in clear violation of international law.”
Islamabad also expressed the expectation that the international community would encourage India to adopt a more responsible approach and avoid actions or statements that could obstruct ongoing efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Following the Pahalgam attack, India took several aggressive measures against Pakistan, including the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
Pakistan retaliated by halting trade activities, closed its airspace to Indian flights, and shut the Wagah border crossing.
Tensions escalated further when India carried out overnight air strikes on May 6, claiming links to the Pahalgam incident. Pakistan responded militarily, with its air force downing five Indian fighter jets, a number that was later said to have increased to seven.
After both sides targeted each other’s airbases in subsequent exchanges, the situation was eventually brought under control through intervention by the United States on May 10, which helped facilitate a ceasefire agreement.