Speaking to Sky News, Tarar strongly denied Indian claims linking Pakistan to Pahalgam incident Indian Illegal Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
“Pakistan is fighting this war against terrorism and no group has claimed any responsibility,” Tarar said. “This Pahalgam area is 200 kilometres from the Line of Control.”
He pointed out that the First Information Report (FIR) regarding the Pahalgam incident was registered within ten minutes and that local police arrived approximately 1:30 hour later. “The victims were bleeding when the police got there,” he said, adding that India lacked any credible evidence tying Pakistan to the attack.
“India has no evidence to link Pakistan to this incident, but India has attacked civilians, including women and children, today without any justifiable cause,” the minister asserted.
Tarar said Pakistan had extended an offer to conduct a joint investigation and had even invited the United Kingdom to participate. “Our prime minister offered an investigation into the matter. Then why did India run away?” he asked.
“We told the international community that an investigation will reveal the facts,” he continued. “But the BJP, which is against Muslims and Sikhs, wanted a reason to attack Pakistan—and without any evidence, they have done so.”
Reaffirming Islamabad’s position, he stated: “Pakistanis have high morale, and we will respond to Indian aggression. The response is ongoing at this point in time.”