Major breakthrough as identities of Pakistani attackers revealed; investigation underway
New Delhi | June 22, 2025:
In a major development in the Pahalgam terror attack case that shocked the nation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two individuals accused of harbouring Pakistani terrorists who carried out the brutal assault that claimed 26 innocent lives and injured 16 others on April 22, 2025.
The arrested men have been identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar, a resident of Batkote, Pahalgam, and Bashir Ahmad Jothar, from Hill Park, Pahalgam. According to NIA officials, both individuals provided shelter, food, and logistical support to three heavily armed militants linked to the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Investigations revealed that the trio of terrorists stayed in a seasonal dhok (hut) in Hill Park prior to the attack. The attackers reportedly targeted tourists based on religious identity, making it one of the most heinous terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir’s recent history.
The accused have confirmed that the attackers were Pakistani nationals, and their statements have been corroborated with preliminary evidence collected from the crime scene and intelligence inputs.
The case has been registered under FIR No. RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU, and the two accused have been booked under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
The NIA has assured that further leads are being pursued, and additional arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.
This breakthrough marks a crucial step in bringing those involved in planning and supporting terrorism to justice.
