Pakistan expresses concern over tourist killing in IIOJK attack

On Monday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, responded to media questions by saying the country is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and shares sympathy with the families of the victims.

“We are concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives in an attack in Anantnag district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. “We extend our condolences to the near ones of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

The attack happened in Pahalgam, a popular tourist spot about 90 km from Srinagar. Gunmen opened fire on tourists in a remote meadow area. Police confirmed that 26 people died, including an Indian Navy officer, and 17 others were injured. Among the victims were 25 Indian nationals and one person from Nepal.

A group called “Kashmir Resistance” claimed responsibility for the attack. They said over 85,000 “outsiders” had settled in the region, which they believe is causing a “demographic change.”

In 2019, India removed Kashmir’s special status, dividing it into two union territories. This change allowed outsiders to buy land and apply for local jobs, which further worsened relations with Pakistan.

Tourist attacks in IIOJK are rare. Before this, the last deadly attack was in June 2024, when nine people died and 33 were injured after an assault made a bus fall into a gorge.

Reacting to the latest violence, PM Modi said: “Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”

US President Donald Trump also showed support, saying he would give “full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous attack.”

Other global leaders like EU chief Ursula von der Leyen also strongly condemned the incident.

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