ISLAMABAD, Apr 23 (Alliance News): Pakistan on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the killing of tourists in a firing incident in the Anantnag district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), terming it a tragic loss of innocent lives.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, in an official statement, condemned the incident and offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
“We are concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives in an attack in Anantnag district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The statement comes following a deadly assault in the scenic Baisaran area of Pahalgam, where unidentified gunmen reportedly opened fire on non-local tourists. According to reports from Kashmir Media Service, at least 27 tourists are feared dead, while several others sustained injuries.
Baisaran, known for its lush meadows and breathtaking views, is a popular tourist destination located at a high altitude and accessible only by foot or pony. The attack has caused panic in the region, with authorities sealing the area and launching a search operation.
While the identity and motive of the attackers remain unclear, the incident has sparked a wave of criticism and fear regarding the safety of civilians and tourists in the region.
Pakistan has consistently raised concerns at various international forums over the deteriorating law and order situation in IIOJK and the violation of human rights.
“This tragic incident once again highlights the grave situation in the occupied territory, where the lives of innocent people—including visitors—are under constant threat,” said a senior official at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He emphasized that the root cause of instability in the region lies in the prolonged conflict and the denial of fundamental rights to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Foreign Office also urged the international community to take note of the growing insecurity in the region and the consequences of unaddressed conflict.
The news of the attack has drawn condemnation from across Pakistan, with political and social leaders expressing grief and calling for international attention on the worsening conditions in IIOJK.
Several civil society organizations and human rights groups have echoed the call for independent investigations into violence against civilians in the region, particularly in tourist areas that were once considered safe havens.
The tragic loss of life also raises questions about the responsibility of the Indian authorities to ensure the safety of all individuals in the occupied territory.
“It is alarming that even peaceful tourists are not safe in one of the most militarized zones in the world,” a rights activist based in Islamabad commented. “This incident must be investigated, and the perpetrators brought to justice.”
Meanwhile, security has been tightened across major tourist spots in Kashmir, and additional paramilitary forces have been deployed. The Indian authorities have yet to provide a detailed account of the incident or confirm the death toll officially.
The incident is likely to impact the tourism industry in the region, especially during the summer season, which typically sees a rise in domestic and international tourist traffic.
Pakistan reiterated its consistent position that peace in South Asia is linked to the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
As the international community watches closely, Pakistan continues to urge for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue and for the safety and rights of the people of the region to be respected.
