Pakistan has firmly dismissed recent allegations made by a top Indian military officer, who claimed that Pakistan had plans to target the Golden Temple. The Foreign Office called the accusation completely false and entirely baseless.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan responded sharply to the Indian claim. He described the remarks as irresponsible and fabricated, suggesting they are part of a planned campaign to tarnish Pakistan’s image. He said the statement was an attempt to distract from India’s own controversial actions.
“These accusations about the Golden Temple are a smokescreen,” the spokesperson said. He highlighted two incidents on May 6 and 7 where, according to Pakistan, Indian forces attacked religious sites within Pakistan. “India’s actions on those days remain unanswered and shameful,” he added.
The spokesperson stressed Pakistan’s deep commitment to protecting religious heritage. “We take great pride in being guardians of many sacred Sikh sites,” he said. He pointed to the Kartarpur Corridor, which allows visa-free access for global Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. “This reflects our respect for interfaith harmony and freedom of worship,” he said.
The allegation of a Pakistani strike on the Golden Temple, he added, was not only false but dangerous. “It’s a reckless attempt to inflame religious emotions and create division,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Giani Amarjit Singh, the head of the Golden Temple, also rejected the Indian Army’s claim. He said no weapons were deployed at the Sikh holy site. “This statement is entirely incorrect,” he said in a press note.
According to Singh, the army had instructed the management to turn off external lighting as a safety step. “We complied,” he said. “But the sanctity of the holy site was never compromised.” The inner premises remained lit, and regular worship continued.
Singh questioned the Indian Army’s motives. “Why make such a statement now? What purpose does this misinformation serve?” he asked.
The Indian Army’s Director General of Air Defence had earlier said that air defence guns were placed at the Golden Temple to counter a possible attack from Pakistan. But Singh’s words clearly contradicted that version.
In another development on the same day, Pakistan dismissed reports from Indian media that claimed the country used Shaheen missiles during Operation Bunyan-un-Marsus. The Foreign Office labeled these stories as fake news and misleading propaganda. According to Pakistan, these reports were released to cover up India’s failure during Operation Sindoor.
The missile claims came from a video shared by the Indian Army on official social media. The footage appeared to show Pakistan’s Shaheen missile systems. However, the video was soon taken down, without any explanation.
“Pakistan completely denies these made-up stories,” said the Foreign Office. “It’s another tactic to build a false narrative and mislead the public.” The FO accused Indian media and military circles of spreading lies about nuclear threats and ceasefire violations.
Despite the video being deleted, the Indian side has not offered any official clarification or apology. Pakistan called this silence alarming. “This pattern of disinformation and lack of responsibility is dangerous,” said the spokesperson. He urged the world to take note.
Pakistan stressed its continued dedication to regional peace. “We are committed to stability,” the spokesperson added. “But no amount of propaganda will stop us from defending our sovereignty and speaking the truth.”
