Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar held a press briefing on Wednesday. (File photo)
Pakistan on Wednesday accused India and Israel for defaming it in Bondi Beach terror attack case.
Information Minister of Pakistan Attaullah Tarar said that Pakistan was unfairly blamed for the terrorist attack in Australia. “Allegations in Bondi Beach attack were part of a conspiracy by hostile countries, including India and Israel”, he added.
Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, Tarar said Pakistan was linked to the attack without any evidence, only to damage its image. He claimed the false narrative was spread mainly through social and electronic media in India and Israel.
Tarar asked how Pakistan’s losses caused by fake news would be addressed, and whether an apology or legal action would follow. He praised Australian authorities for their professional investigation and for not blaming any country without proof.
Tarar said that Pakistan always condemns and will continue to condemn all forms of terrorism (File Photo)
Sajid, who carried out the terrorist attack, was Indian
Sajid Akram, the terrorist involved in the December 14 attack on Jewish people at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, was from India. The 50-year-old was a native of Hyderabad, Telangana.
He completed a B.Com in Hyderabad and moved to Australia in November 1998 on a student visa to look for work. He later married Venera Grosso, a woman of European origin, and settled in Australia. Sajid continued to hold an Indian passport.
Family members told two media outlets that they had cut all ties with him years ago after he married a Christian woman. His 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, is an Australian citizen, and he also has a daughter. Telangana Police said Sajid had no criminal record in India.
At least 15 people were killed and over 40 injured in the attack. Sajid was shot dead by police, while his son was injured. Read full news
The attacking father and sons had opened fire on Jews during the Hanukkah festival at Bondi Beach in Australia.
Sajid last visited India in 2022
According to Sajid’s relatives in India, he had little contact with his family over the past 27 years. After moving to Australia, he visited India six times, mainly due to property disputes and responsibilities toward his elderly parents.
The Indian Express reported that Sajid last visited India in 2022 and did not return even after his father’s death. His family said they were unaware of any radical views or activities linked to Sajid or Naveed.
Earlier, CNN, quoting Philippine officials, reported that Sajid Akram travelled to the Philippines on November 1 with his son Naveed. Sajid used an Indian passport, while Naveed carried an Australian passport. Officials said they had been preparing for the attack for about a month.
Terrorists Sajid and Akram were firing from the bridge. Both terrorists were shot by the police. Sajid had already been shot. In the footage, Akram was seen falling after being shot.
