Amid rising tensions between South Asia’s two long-standing rival neighbors, India and Pakistan, following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan’s Foreign and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has stated that Pakistan will remain peaceful and will not take any provocative actions.
Speaking at the ‘Regional Dialogue 2025’ organized by the Institute of Regional Studies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad, Dar also claimed that the Pahalgam incident was a “pre-planned attack” by India.
Addressing the international community, he said, “Do not worry about us; rather, pay attention to the other side (India). I assure you that we will remain calm.”
Dar denied any involvement of Pakistan in the attack and alleged that India orchestrated the incident to divert public attention from internal issues, human rights violations in Kashmir, and state-sponsored terrorism. He further suggested the attack could be politically motivated due to upcoming legislative elections in various Indian states, claiming that India may use the attack as a tool during election campaigns.
He warned that India is playing a dangerous political game for its own interests, which could jeopardize the safety of millions in the region. Nonetheless, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and welcomed any international efforts to reduce tensions.
The April 22 attack in Pahalgam resulted in the killing of at least 26 male tourists and injured several others. Armed attackers used automatic rifles in what became the deadliest attack in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.
India blamed Pakistan for the attack and took several steps, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. In response, Pakistan imposed restrictions on Indian land and air access.
Questioning the Indian authorities, Dar pointed out, “The nearest police station from the attack site is about 45 minutes away, yet the FIR was registered within 10 minutes. How is that possible? Do they think we are fools?”