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Pakistan Condemns Killing of Tourists in Occupied Kashmir as Death Toll Reaches 26
Pakistan expresses concern over brutal attack in Pahalgam, occupied Kashmir, where 26 tourists were gunned down. India vows 'loud and clear' response. Tensions rise amid blame game.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-23
Pakistan Condemns Killing of Tourists in Occupied Kashmir as Death Toll Reaches 26

Pakistan on Wednesday expressed “concern at the loss of tourists’ lives” after 26 people were brutally killed in Pahalgam, a scenic area in Indian-occupied Kashmir. The deadly assault—believed to be the worst on civilians in the region since 2000—has ignited widespread condemnation and escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.

The attack occurred in the Anantnag district on Tuesday when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a group of visitors. According to AFP and hospital sources, all the deceased were men, most hailing from different parts of India, while one victim was from Nepal. Seventeen others were reported injured.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh vowed a "loud and clear" response to the killings, saying that not only the attackers but also those who planned the incident would be held accountable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi denounced the assault as a "heinous act" and cut short a diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia to attend an emergency security meeting.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office, responding to media queries, extended condolences to the victims' families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. “We are concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives in an attack in Anantnag district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” said FO Spokesperson Shafqat Khan.

Several Pakistani leaders, including former ministers Khurram Dastgir Khan and Sherry Rehman, condemned the incident. Rehman criticized what she called India’s "reflexive finger-pointing" at Pakistan, urging for reasoned, responsible engagement rather than inflammatory rhetoric.

Indian authorities quickly launched a massive search operation in Pahalgam, deploying hundreds of troops to comb the surrounding forests. The Indian army claimed to have killed two suspected infiltrators in a separate incident in Uri.

A group named 'The Resistance Front' is reportedly behind the attack, though Indian officials have not formally identified the perpetrators. Meanwhile, Indian media and political circles have begun speculating on a Pakistani link, despite a lack of evidence.

The brazen attack took place in one of the most heavily guarded regions of Kashmir, known for hosting the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage. Witnesses described how gunmen emerged from nearby woods and opened fire on male tourists, seemingly sparing women.

In the wake of the attack, panic spread throughout the tourist community. Many vacationers rushed to leave the area, while airlines increased flights out of Srinagar. Schools in the valley closed, and more than a dozen local organizations called for a general shutdown to protest the violence.

The international community, including the US, China, the EU, and the UN, condemned the assault. Former US President Donald Trump reportedly extended "full support" to India, while other leaders across Asia and Europe expressed condolences and solidarity.

This tragic incident has again highlighted the volatility of the region and renewed concerns about the safety of civilians and tourists in Kashmir, a disputed territory that remains a flashpoint between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan.
Tagged:

OccupiedKashmir

KashmirAttack

TouristAttack

PahalgamMassacre
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