Pakistan’s Air Force Official Admits Role in 2019 Pulwama Terror Attack
In a significant public admission, a senior official from the Pakistan Air Force has acknowledged the military’s involvement in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 40 CRPF personnel. This revelation occurred amidst mounting international scrutiny following the recent Pahalgam terror incident.
Who made the admission regarding Pakistan’s role in the Pulwama attack?
Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed, head of the Pakistan Air Force’s public relations division, publicly admitted Pakistan’s involvement during a press conference alongside Director General ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry and a Pakistan Navy spokesperson.
What exactly did Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed say?
Ahmed stated, “We tried to tell them with our tactical brilliance in Pulwama. If Pakistan’s airspace, land, waters, or its people are threatened, there can be no compromise. It cannot go unnoticed. We owe it to our nation.” He emphasised the operational capabilities and strategic intent behind Pakistan’s actions.
Has Pakistan previously admitted supporting terrorist activities?
Yes. Just a week earlier, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admitted in an interview with Sky News that Pakistan had been “harbouring terrorists” and had engaged in “dirty work” for Western nations, including the United States and Britain, over the past three decades.
How has Pakistan historically responded to accusations regarding Pulwama?
Pakistan consistently denied any involvement in the Pulwama bombing despite the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) openly claiming responsibility. Following the attack, Pakistan’s then Prime Minister Imran Khan demanded evidence from India, which subsequently provided a detailed dossier linking the attack to JeM facilities based in Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
What actions did India take following the Pulwama attack?
India conducted retaliatory airstrikes on February 26, 2019, targeting JeM’s largest training camp in Balakot, located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Indian Mirage 2000 jets carried out precision strikes, leading to heightened military tensions and an aerial confrontation during which Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman was captured and later released by Pakistan.
Does this admission impact recent events, such as the Pahalgam attack?
Yes. Air Vice Marshal Ahmed’s acknowledgment also casts serious doubts on Pakistan’s denials of involvement in the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, where similar operational tactics were observed.
What significance does this admission hold?
The public statement significantly undermines years of consistent denial by Pakistan’s military and civilian leadership, marking a pivotal moment where an official directly contradicts long-standing official narratives about Pakistan’s involvement in terrorist activities targeting India.
