Pakistan Says ‘Not Us’ in Pahalgam Attack – India Isn’t Buying It

The tranquil hills of Pahalgam, once again, found themselves echoing with sirens instead of serenity. In the aftermath of a shocking terror attack that targeted tourists and rattled the Valley, Pakistan has stepped forward with a familiar line — “We had nothing to do with it.” But in New Delhi, skepticism is growing louder than ever.

The Attack That Shook the Valley

On a morning that was meant to bring fresh footfall to one of Kashmir’s most beloved tourist spots, terror struck. Armed assailants opened fire in Pahalgam’s central district, targeting a tourist vehicle and leaving several injured, sending shockwaves across the tourism sector that was just beginning to rebound post-pandemic and post-unrest.

The immediate response from security forces was swift. Cordons were set up, and a combing operation began. But as is often the case in Kashmir’s long and complex conflict, the incident triggered not just panic — but political aftershocks as well.

Pakistan’s Denial: Routine or Real?

Hours after the attack, Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a statement categorically denying any involvement. The statement read:

“Pakistan rejects any insinuation of involvement in the Pahalgam incident. We remain committed to regional peace and condemn violence in all forms.”

This isn’t new. Over the years, Pakistan has routinely distanced itself from terror incidents in Kashmir, even when groups with known Pakistani origins have claimed responsibility. This time, however, the claim of non-involvement comes at a moment when cross-border tensions are already heightened, and India is ramping up diplomatic pressure globally.

Delhi’s Doubts: More Than Just Suspicion

For New Delhi, the denial is hardly convincing. Senior officials, speaking off the record, hinted at “preliminary intelligence inputs” that suggest the attack may have been orchestrated by elements operating across the border. While formal attribution is pending investigation, the language from Delhi is clear: this isn’t random.

A Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said:

“We have taken note of the attack in Pahalgam. The investigation is ongoing, but any denial from Pakistan before facts are established only raises more questions than it answers.”

This skepticism is not without context. The Indian government has, time and again, accused Pakistan of harboring and supporting terror infrastructure used to destabilize Jammu and Kashmir — a charge Islamabad consistently denies.

Tourism as a Target: More Than Just Symbolism

The choice of Pahalgam is symbolic — and strategic. As one of the most peaceful and popular tourist destinations in Kashmir, it stands as a pillar of the Centre’s narrative of “return to normalcy.” An attack here doesn’t just shake public security — it undermines the story India has been telling the world.

By targeting tourism, attackers aim to disrupt livelihoods, fuel fear, and reignite doubts about safety in the Valley. It’s psychological warfare as much as it is physical.

IN The Bigger Picture: Normalcy or Narrative?

Since the abrogation of Article 370, the Centre has repeatedly projected Kashmir as moving toward peace, development, and stability. But incidents like the Pahalgam attack reopen a crucial debate: Is peace truly returning to the Valley, or is it being propped up by optics and tight control?

Delhi’s response in the coming days — both militarily and diplomatically — will be watched closely. From global platforms to local counter-terrorism strategies, this incident could mark a turning point in how the government recalibrates its approach.

What Lies Ahead?

The Valley waits. Tour operators cancel bookings. Locals sit in uncertainty. And somewhere beyond the mountains, the geopolitical blame game continues.

But one truth remains: until accountability is clear and peace is more than a press release, Kashmir — and Pahalgam — will remain caught between denial and doubt.