Were the Attackers in the Pahalgam Terror Incident Pakistani Nationals Linked to LeT?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Attackers confirmed as Pakistani nationals.
- Linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
- 26 civilians killed in the attack.
- Indian military response included targeted strikes.
- Ongoing investigations by NIA.
Jammu, June 22 (NationPress) In a crucial revelation, the two individuals apprehended by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for providing refuge to the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack have confirmed that the three assailants involved were indeed Pakistani nationals.
The NIA announced on Sunday that during its investigation into the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, the two detained locals informed investigators that the three terrorists were affiliated with the banned terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and hailed from Pakistan.
In a significant breakthrough, the agency arrested the two men for providing shelter to the terrorists responsible for the April 22 attack.
The suspects have been identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote, Pahalgam, and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, Pahalgam, according to an NIA press release.
They revealed the identities of the three armed militants involved in the assault and confirmed their Pakistani nationality linked to LeT.
Parvaiz and Bashir had knowingly sheltered the three armed assailants at a seasonal dhok (hut) in Hill Park prior to the attack, based on NIA investigations.
“The two men provided food, shelter, and logistical support to the terrorists, who on that tragic afternoon, selectively targeted tourists based on their religious identity, marking it as one of the most horrific terrorist attacks in recent history,” stated the release.
The NIA has charged the duo under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and is continuing its investigation into case RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU, initiated following the attack that sent shockwaves across the globe on April 22. Further investigations are ongoing, the NIA confirmed.
On April 22, terrorists backed by Pakistan from LeT took the lives of 26 individuals, including 25 tourists and a local pony owner who attempted to prevent the bloodshed. Among the deceased tourists was a national from Nepal.
The attack provoked widespread outrage in the country, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant the armed forces full authority to retaliate.
India responded with targeted strikes against terror infrastructure in nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including Muridke near Lahore, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad.
In retaliation, Pakistan targeted civilian installations in Poonch, Rajouri, Kupwara, Bandipora, and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir, launching a barrage of drone attacks along the western border.
Subsequently, Indian forces executed precision strikes on 11 airbases within Pakistan.