Pakistan voices concern over tourist killings in IIOJK

Islamabad: Pakistan has expressed deep concern over a deadly attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) that left at least 26 people dead and 17 injured.

The attack happened in the Pahalgam area, a popular tourist spot located about 90 kilometers from Srinagar in the Anantnag district.

According to local police, gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists in a remote meadow on Tuesday. Among the victims were 25 Indian nationals and one person from Nepal. One of the victims was an officer from the Indian Navy. The injured are currently receiving medical treatment.

Foreign Office spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, said the country was saddened by the loss of lives. “We are concerned about the attack on tourists in IIOJK. Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives, and we hope for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he said.

A little-known group calling itself the “Kashmir Resistance” claimed responsibility for the attack through a post on social media. The group said it carried out the attack in response to the growing number of outsiders settling in Kashmir, which they claim is changing the region’s demographics.

In 2019, the Indian government removed Kashmir’s special constitutional status, splitting the region into two union territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The move allowed people from outside the region to buy land and apply for government jobs there.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the recent attack, saying, “Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our fight against terrorism is firm and will only grow stronger.”

US President Donald Trump also reacted to the incident, calling Prime Minister Modi to offer full support in finding and punishing those responsible. European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen and other global figures also condemned the violence.