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26 Tourists Killed in Kashmir’s Pahalgam Attack; Modi Cuts Short Saudi Visit, Pakistan Denies Involvement

April 23, 2025

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD (AA) – At least 26 tourists were killed in a brutal attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam region on Tuesday, after unidentified gunmen opened fire in Baisaran Valley, a popular meadow situated atop a scenic hill.

The victims, many of whom were domestic tourists, were enjoying the lush green surroundings of the valley when they came under heavy gunfire. The attackers fled the scene before security forces could respond. Several others were critically injured and have been rushed to nearby hospitals. Two foreigner were also killed in the attack,

Indian officials described the incident as a “cowardly act of terrorism” and launched a manhunt to apprehend those responsible.

Following the incident, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his official visit to Saudi Arabia, returning home to oversee the response and security operations. The visit had included high-level meetings focused on bilateral trade and regional cooperation.

Despite the lack of evidence, several Indian social media handles aligned with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and intelligence circles—including accounts believed to be close to RAW, India’s external intelligence agency—quickly blamed Pakistan for orchestrating the assault.

In Islamabad, Defense Minister Khwaja Asif rejected the claims and said Pakistan has no involvemnet in the attack.

"Pakistan has no connection with this, there are revolutions in so-called Indian states, from Nagaland to Kashmir, in Chhattisgarh, Manipur and the South there are not acts of foreign interference but local uprising," Asif told a local tv channel.

Pakistan Foreign Ministry in a statement said they are concerned at the loss of lives in attack.

“We are concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives in an attack in Anantnag district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. We extend our condolences to the near ones of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery," it said.

Tensions between the two neighbors remain high, particularly over Kashmir, a disputed region claimed by both countries and often the flashpoint for cross-border friction.

Security in the region has since been heightened, and Indian authorities are calling for calm as they continue their investigation.