By Pravin Kumar
In a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 innocent lives, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified the three perpetrators as Pakistani nationals affiliated with the banned terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The agency has also arrested two local men for providing shelter and support to the terrorists.
The attack, one of the deadliest in recent times, targeted tourists in Baisaran Valley, popularly known as ‘Mini Switzerland,’ in Pahalgam. The terrorists selectively killed victims based on their religious identity, as per NIA findings, marking it as a particularly heinous act of violence.
According to a statement issued by the NIA, the arrested individuals have been identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote, Pahalgam, and Bashir Ahmad Jothar from Hill Park, Pahalgam. According to the agency’s statement, the duo knowingly harbored the three armed terrorists at a seasonal dhok (hut) in Hill Park before the attack. They provided food, shelter, and logistical assistance to the perpetrators.
“Parvaiz and Bashir have disclosed the identities of the three terrorists, confirming they were Pakistani nationals linked to LeT,” the NIA stated. The accused have been charged under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act,1967 for harboring terrorists in the case RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU
The NIA continues its investigation to uncover further details and potential accomplices in the attack.
