In the wake of a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 28 lives, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has denied any involvement by Islamabad. Speaking to Pakistan’s Live 92 news channel, Asif characterized the violence as a “home-grown” issue, attributing it to broader internal unrest within India.
Asif stated, “Pakistan has no connection with this. There are revolutions in so-called Indian states, from Nagaland to Kashmir, in Chhattisgarh, Manipur, and the south. These are not acts of foreign interference but local uprisings.”
He further accused India of suppressing minorities, including Christians, Buddhists, and Muslims, suggesting that such repression leads to internal resistance. Asif also alleged that India is sponsoring unrest in Balochistan, claiming that Pakistan has presented evidence of this involvement multiple times.
While asserting that Pakistan opposes terrorism under all circumstances, Asif implied that India’s treatment of its own citizens contributes to armed resistance. He remarked, “If the army or police are committing atrocities against people denied fundamental rights, blaming Pakistan becomes a convenient excuse.”
As of now, the Indian government has not issued an official response to Asif’s statements.
