NIA Arrests In Pahalgam Case Nails Pakistan’s Lies & Bolsters India’s FATF Case. Here’s How

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Last Updated:June 22, 2025, 12:10 IST

The 2 arrests are evidence that the attackers were Pakistanis and associated with LeT’s Hafiz Saeed. They strengthen India’s case against Pakistan in front of the FATF

Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the site of the Pahalgam terror attack, in Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir. (X File/PTI)

With the arrest of two men for harbouring Pakistani terrorists who carried out the April 22 Pahalgam attack, India has nailed Pakistan’s lies.

While India has always maintained the attack that killed 26 and injured 16 was carried out by Pakistan’s Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Islamabad’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had stated they had no connection to the attack. He had also gone a step further alleging the attack was “home grown" and a “false flag operation" by India. Pakistan had described India’s allegations as “frivolous" and “devoid of rationality".

The Pahalgam attackers killed innocent tourists at point-blank range in front of their families after forcing them to confirm their religion. The two men arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) — Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote, Pahalgam and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, Pahalgam – have disclosed the identities of the three armed terrorists involved in the attack, and have also confirmed that they were Pakistani nationals affiliated to the proscribed terrorist outfit LeT.

These arrests are a big evidence that the attackers were Pakistanis and associated with LeT’s Hafiz Saeed. It strengthens India’s case against Pakistan on global fora such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). It will also reinforces India’s demand to hand over Saeed, who is also an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. These arrests could help in India’s hunt of the Pahalgam attackers and also throw up clues on the route the terrorists took to flee.

WHO ARE THE TWO MEN?

Jothar and Bashir had knowingly harboured the three armed terrorists at a seasonal dhok (hut) at Hill Park before the attack, as per the NIA investigations. The two men had provided food, shelter and logistical support to the terrorists, who had, on the fateful afternoon, selectively killed the tourists on the basis of their religious identity, making it one of the most gruesome terrorist attacks ever.

The NIA has arrested the duo under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

INDIA’S CASE AT FATF

News18 has earlier reported how India is mounting pressure on the FATF to ensure Pakistan’s economic lifeline is cut off. Top government sources told News18 that India has written to the FATF to remind them that it needs to do the “right thing" by ensuring that Pakistan is put on the grey list during the next meeting in autumn.

The FATF lists countries according to their track records on clean money. News18 had earlier quoted sources as saying that the letter listed all instances of acts of terror which emanated from Pakistan, including the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Another point highlighted was the more than 20% recent increase in Pakistan’s defence budget. The development happened at a time when the International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a payout for Pakistan. This suggests the money was not used for what it should have been, which was the welfare and development of people.

Following India’s push, the FATF, in a rarity, condemned the terrorist attack.

The FATF has enhanced its focus on the effectiveness of measures countries have put in place. The FATF will soon release a comprehensive analysis of terrorist financing, compiling cases provided by the Global Network.

Aman Sharma

Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Minister’s Office....Read More

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