Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar faced scrutiny on live television when Sky News journalist Yalda Hakim challenged his assertion that no terrorist camps exist in the country. The exchange occurred hours after India's military claimed to have targeted terror sites within Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
Minister Tarar described Pakistan as a victim of terrorism, denying the presence of terror infrastructure. He contended that India had targeted civilian areas, a claim countered by the anchor who noted India's military stated they struck only terrorist facilities.
Yalda Hakim pressed the minister by referencing past statements from Pakistani officials. She noted that just the previous week, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had admitted on her program that Pakistan had a history of using terrorist groups as proxies.
She further cited admissions from figures like former Presidents Pervez Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto, as well as Bilawal Bhutto, who had reportedly acknowledged Pakistan's historical ties to funding and backing terrorist organizations. Hakim also recalled that the United States, under President Donald Trump, cut military aid to Pakistan in 2018 over accusations of playing a "double game" regarding terrorism.
Tarar reiterated Pakistan's role as a "frontline state" against terrorism since 9/11. Yalda Hakim responded by reminding him that Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden, the architect of the 9/11 attacks, was found and killed in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in 2011.
India's Ministry of External Affairs stated that its actions were a response to deter future cross-border attacks, aiming to dismantle terror infrastructure. Officials described the strikes as measured and proportionate.
A United Nations Security Council statement following a recent attack in Pahalgam had stressed the necessity of holding accountable those who perpetrate, organize, finance, and sponsor terrorism. India indicated its recent actions should be understood within this context.
