Pak minister Ataullah Tarar slammed for denying terror camps in Pakistan as Sky anchor cites Osama, Bhutto — netizens call it ‘public humiliation’

Soon after India conducted strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan's Information Minister Ataullah Tarar appeared on Sky News. He claimed India had targeted civilians and repeated Pakistan’s usual stance: “There are no terrorist camps in Pakistan.” Tarar added, “Pakistan is a victim of terrorism. We've laid down 90,000 lives in this war.”

Anchor Yalda Hakim, however, confronted him with recent and historic admissions by Pakistani leaders about the country’s use of terror groups. “Your defence minister admitted Pakistan has for decades had a policy of backing terrorist groups,” she said. She also cited the 2018 US military aid cut and past remarks by Pervez Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto.

Yalda Hakim highlights Osama Bin Laden?

As Tarar insisted that Pakistan has only been a “frontline state” in fighting terror, Hakim reminded viewers that Osama bin Laden was found in Abbottabad, Pakistan. “These accusations on Pakistan… your defence minister made the admission,” she said. When Tarar blamed the Soviet war for past affiliations, the anchor quickly shifted focus: “Pakistan was on a grey list of state sponsors of terrorism just a few years ago.”

Even as Tarar tried to redirect the conversation by referencing the capture of terrorists and US praise under Trump, the anchor kept pressing: “That contradicts Western intelligence... the State Department.” Her pointed replies made it difficult for the minister to defend his claims.

Netizens react: ‘what an utter humiliation!’

The interview clip quickly spread on social media. Viewers criticised Ataullah Tarar’s statements and praised Yalda Hakim’s firm questioning. One user wrote, “Ataullah Tarar is a big shaitan liar never believe him.” Another said, “What an utter humiliation for Pakistan!!!”?

A third called him a “Jhootha Makkar”, warning of divine consequences for lying.

This latest exchange has added pressure on Pakistan’s credibility in the global narrative around terrorism. With India’s strikes following the Pahalgam attack and growing international scrutiny, Pakistan’s denials continue to face tough resistance both from journalists and the public.