Minister Reaffirms Legal and Responsible Action
Federal Minister for Information, Attaullah Tarar, has clarified that Pakistan’s response to recent Indian aggression was conducted strictly in accordance with international law. Speaking during an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Tarar stated that Pakistan is a responsible nation and its actions were aligned with the United Nations Charter, particularly Article 51, which allows for self-defense in the event of armed aggression.
Rejects Claims of Targeting Civilians
Tarar firmly rejected India’s accusations that Pakistan had targeted civilian areas during its retaliatory strikes. He said that Pakistan’s response was precise, limited to military installations, and planned to avoid any civilian harm. According to him, these claims by India are baseless and appear to be an attempt to draw sympathy or deflect attention from its own aggression.
Doubts Over Pahalgam Incident
Addressing the incident in Pahalgam, which India has linked to Pakistan, the minister pointed out key discrepancies. He noted that Pahalgam is located over 200 kilometers from Pakistan’s border, which makes Pakistan’s alleged involvement highly questionable. Tarar added that India registered a police case just ten minutes after the incident took place, raising concerns over whether a proper investigation was conducted at all.
Pakistan Offered Joint Investigation
Reiterating Pakistan’s willingness to cooperate, Atta Tarar said that Islamabad had offered to take part in a joint and transparent investigation into the Pahalgam incident. However, he criticized India for rejecting this offer and instead choosing to escalate tensions through accusations and retaliatory military action without evidence.
India’s Aggression and Its Consequences
Referring to the Indian strikes on the night of May 6 and 7, Tarar recounted the devastating effects on Pakistani civilians. He said that Indian forces attacked multiple areas in Azad Jammu and Kashmir—namely Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Bagh—as well as parts of Punjab including Muridke and Ahmedpur Sharqia. These attacks resulted in the martyrdom of 31 Pakistanis, including children, and left 51 others injured. Two mosques were also destroyed in the attack, which was carried out under the cover of night.
Pakistan’s Strategic and Measured Response
In response, Pakistan launched targeted strikes on Indian military positions, avoiding civilian infrastructure. According to Tarar, this was a necessary act of defense to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and to send a strong message that aggression would not go unanswered. He reiterated that this action was well within Pakistan’s rights under international law.
Call for Diplomacy and Peace
Despite the rising tensions, Attaullah Tarar emphasized Pakistan’s continued commitment to peace. He said Pakistan does not wish for war but will defend itself if provoked. He urged the international community to recognize the gravity of the situation and to play a constructive role in reducing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Global Community Urged to Respond Responsibly
The information minister also called on global powers and international organizations to investigate the Pahalgam incident objectively. He warned that India’s provocative actions and unverified claims could destabilize the entire region and push South Asia into a deeper conflict. According to Tarar, it is now essential to de-escalate tensions and work together to preserve peace and security.
