Pakistan's Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, denied any involvement in the Pahalgam terrorist attack. While condemning attacks on civilians, he accused India of responsibility.
Pahalgam Attack: Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan's response has emerged. Pakistan's Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, stated that his country was not involved in the attack. He bly condemned the incident and unequivocally rejected attacks targeting civilians. However, he also accused India, suggesting the attack could be a result of growing discontent within the country.
Pakistan Denies Involvement
Following the terrorist attack, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif issued a statement asserting his country's non-involvement. He stated that Pakistan condemns all forms of terrorism and that targeting civilians is unacceptable.
He categorically denied accusations linking Pakistan to the attack, reiterating that his country had no connection to it.
Accusations Against India: Dissatisfaction and Exploitation
However, Khawaja Asif's statement counter-accused India. He claimed that discontent is growing against the government in parts of India such as Nagaland, Manipur, and Kashmir. He alleged that the Indian government is violating and exploiting the rights of its citizens, particularly minorities, leading to popular dissent.
Actions Against Minorities in India
Khawaja Asif further stated that the Indian government is persecuting minorities within the country, including Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians. He claimed that minorities are facing massacres in India and people are rising up against this oppression.
Pakistan's Army Chief: Inflammatory Statement
Following the attack, a statement by Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, also gained attention. On April 16th, at a convention of overseas Pakistanis in Islamabad, he referred to Kashmir as Pakistan's "lifeline," stating, "Kashmir is in our veins and will remain so. We will not leave Kashmiris alone in their struggle." This statement has been considered inflammatory by many and is being viewed in the context of recent events in Kashmir.
