Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has categorically labeled the Pahalgam incident a “false flag operation,” asserting that India deliberately avoided an impartial investigation into the attack. Speaking at a seminar titled “Marka-e-Haq” at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, Tarar emphasized that Pakistan continues to serve as a frontline state against terrorism, having made unmatched sacrifices in the global fight.
Allegations of a Staged Incident
Tarar argued that India rushed to blame Pakistan immediately after the incident, despite a clear offer from the Pakistani Prime Minister to cooperate on a transparent inquiry. He claimed that India’s refusal to allow a neutral investigation points directly to the true nature of the event.
“The Pahalgam incident was in fact a false flag operation,” Tarar stated. He highlighted that the area in question is located far from the border and remains under strict Indian military control, making external involvement logistically improbable. The minister contended that India is attempting to mislead the international community by externalizing its own internal failures and domestic challenges.
National Unity and Regional Tensions
The information minister praised the complete harmony between Pakistan’s civil and military leadership, calling it the nation’s greatest strength. He specifically commended the leadership of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir for his role in handling national challenges. Tarar reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains internationally recognized, with existing United Nations resolutions underscoring the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination that cannot be suppressed.
Tarar also contrasted the media coverage from both sides, stating that Pakistani media displayed responsible journalism while Indian outlets harmed their own credibility through what he described as irresponsible reporting. He noted that Pakistani youth effectively leveraged social media to counter the Indian narrative.
Counter-Terrorism Claims and International Credibility
In a sharp rebuttal to India’s allegations, Tarar pointed to what he called undeniable proof of India’s “terrorist mindset,” citing the arrest of Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan. He further alleged that the country accusing Pakistan of terrorism has itself been linked to incidents involving the killings of Sikh leaders in Canada other nations.
Tarar maintained that the entire episode has significantly damaged India’s credibility on the international stage, while Pakistan’s response to what he termed India’s unprovoked aggression was marked by responsibility, wisdom, and national unity.
