Pakistan Concerned Over 26 Tourist Killings in Kashmir; India Promises Strong Response
On April 22, 2025, gunmen attacked tourists in Pahalgam, a popular spot in Indian-occupied Kashmir, killing 26 people. The victims were mostly men from India, with one from Nepal. The attack left 17 others injured, making it one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in the region since 2000.
Pakistan expressed deep concern over the killings. A spokesperson for the Pakistani Foreign Office said, “We extend our condolences to the families of the victims and wish the injured a quick recovery.” Khurram Dastgir Khan, a former foreign minister, also condemned the attack.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called the act “heinous” and vowed a loud and clear response. “We will reach not only those who carried out the attack but also those who planned it,” Singh said. The Indian Army launched a large search operation to find the attackers.
Witnesses described the attack as frightening. The gunmen, reportedly emerging from the forest, shot at men while sparing women. Survivors said they ran for their lives as gunfire echoed through the area.
A group calling itself “The Resistance Front” claimed responsibility for the attack, though its true identity remains unclear. Indian media quickly speculated about Pakistan’s involvement, despite a lack of evidence.
International reactions have been strong. US President Donald Trump offered full support to India, calling the attack a “brutal terrorist act.” Other countries, including China and Sri Lanka, also condemned the attack and expressed sympathy for the victims.
The assault on tourists in the heavily guarded area of Pahalgam has raised questions about the safety of visitors to Kashmir. Following the attack, local groups called for a shutdown in the region to protest the violence.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cutting short his trip to Saudi Arabia, held emergency meetings to discuss the attack. Authorities have promised to take every necessary step to ensure justice for the victims.
