Pahalgam Attack War of Words: Pakistan Counters PM Modi’s Remarks

Pakistan on Friday reacted sharply to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech linking Islamabad to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In an official statement, Pakistan said it was "deeply dismayed" by the allegations and "firmly rejects the baseless and misleading" claims made by the Indian Prime Minister.

Speaking at an event in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, calling it an assault on "insaniyat (humanity) and Kashmiriyat." He accused Pakistan of targeting innocent tourists with the aim of sparking communal riots and disrupting the lives of hardworking Kashmiris.

"The intent was to incite riots in India and cripple the earnings of the hardworking people of Kashmir. That is why Pakistan targeted tourists," PM Modi said, taking a direct swipe at Islamabad.

In response, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strongly worded statement:
"We are deeply dismayed that the Indian Prime Minister has once again chosen to accuse Pakistan of involvement in the Pahalgam attack, without presenting a single piece of credible evidence."

PM Modi also lauded the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, for rejecting Pakistan's alleged conspiracies and standing united against terrorism.

"The youth of Jammu and Kashmir are determined to give a strong response to terrorism-the same terrorism that once burned schools, destroyed hospitals, and ruined generations," the Prime Minister added.

Escalating Tensions Between India and Pakistan

Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours spiked after the April 22 terror attack near Baisaran in Pahalgam, where terrorists opened fire on civilians, mainly tourists. The attack claimed the lives of at least 26 individuals.

In retaliation, India imposed several punitive measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. This was followed by Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, during which Indian armed forces destroyed nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), reportedly eliminating over 100 terrorists.

Following India's action, Pakistan attempted a retaliatory response through cross-border shelling and aerial intrusions using drones and UAVs. However, all such attempts were neutralised by Indian forces.

As hostilities intensified, Indian forces launched a second wave of strikes on the night of May 9-10, targeting 13 Pakistani air bases and military installations.

After four days of cross-border confrontations, on May 10, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan reached out to his Indian counterpart, seeking a halt to further escalation. Both sides subsequently agreed to cease military activities.