ISLAMABAD, (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar stated in an interview with CNN on Thursday that India has so far failed to present any credible evidence implicating Pakistan in the recent Pahalgam attack. Instead, he suggested that India’s unsubstantiated accusations may point toward its own involvement.
“India hastily blamed Pakistan without any proof, but we have offered full cooperation, including a transparent and impartial investigation,” Tarar said. “They have a history of leveraging such incidents to justify aggressive actions against Pakistan.”
He added that India has not been able to identify any specific group responsible for the attack. “You cannot just make blanket accusations without substantiation. Our Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing a military academy event, reiterated our willingness to participate in a fair and neutral inquiry—underscoring Pakistan’s clean hands in this matter.”
Tarar highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to communicate its position to the international community. “We have proactively engaged our friendly nations to share our perspective and underline our commitment to peace,” he noted.
Responding to a question regarding possible escalation, Tarar said, “We possess reliable intelligence at the operational level. While operational specifics cannot be disclosed, we have received confirmed reports of potential aggressive moves from India. This is not unprecedented.”
He emphasized the importance of timely communication, noting that it can act as a deterrent. “As a responsible state and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, we felt it necessary to alert the international community in a timely and transparent manner.”
Tarar outlined three key elements of deterrence: military capability, national resolve, and strategic communication. “Pakistan has never been the aggressor. We’ve always acted in self-defense and upheld our right to protect our sovereignty.”
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace and coexistence while affirming the nation’s readiness to defend itself. “Pakistan is neither the aggressor nor the provocateur in this situation. We remain fully prepared, with our armed forces on alert and conducting necessary exercises.”
When asked about the possibility of an Indian military strike, Tarar confirmed, “Based on the intelligence we have and our assessment of developments in India, such a possibility cannot be ruled out. That is why we maintain a high level of preparedness and vigilance.”
He concluded by describing the current situation as fluid, noting that diplomatic engagement continues even as intelligence reports suggest varying levels of threat. “This is an evolving scenario, and we remain committed to safeguarding national security while promoting regional peace.”
