Pakistan on Wednesday expressed concern over the loss of lives in an attack in the Pahalgam area of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which claimed the lives of 26 people.

Responding to media queries concerning the attack, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan in a statement said Pakistan was saddened by the incident and expressed sympathy with the families of the deceased.

‘We are concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives in an attack in Anantnag district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,’ the spokesperson said. ‘We extend our condolences to the near ones of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery’, he added.

According to media reports, at least 26 people, including an Indian Navy officer, were killed and 17 injured when gunmen opened fire at tourists in the IIOJK in the worst such attack in the region in nearly two decades.