ISLAMABAD: In a firm response to India’s allegations of terrorist camps in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, has refuted the claims, calling them baseless and a diversion from India’s internal challenges.

Addressing media representatives at Bela Noor Shah, near Pir Chinasi in AJK, Tarar challenged New Delhi’s narrative by stating that the alleged terrorist camps do not exist. He emphasized that international media and observers had discredited India’s assertions as propaganda.

Tarar pointed out inconsistencies in India’s claims, noting that he stood at one of the locations purported to house terrorist camps. He argued that India’s attempts to defame Pakistan have consistently failed, urging the media to verify the situation on the ground.

Highlighting past incidents, Tarar referred to the 2019 Pulwama attack, where India blamed Pakistan, and the subsequent Balakot airstrike, which he described as an attempt to mislead. He dismissed the recent map issued by India, which alleged terrorist activities at Bela Noor Shah, noting the presence of schools and tourists as evidence against the claims.

The minister reiterated Pakistan’s position as a frontline state against terrorism, citing the country’s significant sacrifices, including the loss of 90,000 lives. He accused India of engaging in terrorist activities in Pakistan, referencing the case of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, in custody for alleged involvement in terrorism.

Tarar criticized the Indian media for its handling of the Jafar Express attack, accusing it of celebrating the incident and broadcasting footage provided by terrorists. He invited media representatives to engage with local residents and verify the absence of terrorist activities.

He also pointed to the heavy deployment of Indian troops in Jammu and Kashmir, questioning their effectiveness in protecting civilians, as illustrated by the Pahalgam attack. Tarar called for an impartial investigation into the incident and expressed Pakistan’s concern over India’s repeated, unsubstantiated accusations.

Concluding his remarks, Tarar warned that any aggressive actions by India would be met with a strong response from Pakistan, emphasizing the country’s commitment to peace but readiness to defend itself.