Probe into Amir Tamba murder suggests India behind it: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated on Monday that India is suspected to be behind the murder of Amir Sarfraz Tamba, who allegedly tortured Indian terrorist Sarabjit Singh to death in jail in 2013.

Naqvi mentioned that India was also implicated in four other murders prior to Tamba’s death.

“Police are investigating the shooting of Amir Tamba, and currently, they suspect India's involvement. India has been linked to four other murders following a similar pattern. However, it's premature to make any conclusions until the investigation is completed,” he told the media at the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) office in Lahore.

Police reported that two motorcycle riders fatally shot Tamba in the Islampura police jurisdiction on Sunday. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.

A case against the unidentified bikers was filed based on Tamba’s brother Junaid Sarfraz's complaint. The area was cordoned off, and the search for the shooters commenced with CCTV footage assistance.

In April 2013, Tamba and Mudasir Munir allegedly assaulted Sarabjit Singh with bricks and iron rods in Kot Lakhpat jail. Singh had been sentenced to death for a series of bombings that claimed 14 lives in Lahore and Faisalabad in 1990.

On December 14, 2018, a Lahore sessions court acquitted Tamba and Munir of Singh's murder, ordering their release after witnesses retracted their statements.

Tamba, 45, unmarried and residing with his brothers in a five-marla house in Islampura, worked as a spice dealer.

India Acknowledges Involvement in Killings in Pakistan During an interview broadcasted on April 5, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh acknowledged the Narendra Modi-led government's policy of orchestrating killings in Pakistan.

He affirmed that India would enter Pakistan to eliminate anyone attempting to carry out terrorist activities after crossing the border.

Singh's remarks followed The Guardian's report, revealing that India had killed approximately 20 individuals in Pakistan since 2020 as part of a broader strategy to eradicate terrorists residing abroad.

The report in The Guardian surfaced months after Canada and the United States accused India of killings or attempted killings on their soil.

"India always seeks good relations with neighboring countries ... However, if provoked with hostile actions promoting terrorism, we will respond decisively," Singh asserted.

On April 6, Pakistan condemned the Indian defence minister's statements, labeling them as “hyper-nationalistic sentiments” driven by “electoral gains”.

The Foreign Office criticized India for using hateful rhetoric and exploiting hyper-nationalism for political benefits, undermining regional peace and constructive engagement prospects.

"Pakistan is committed to regional peace, yet our desire for peace should not be misinterpreted. We stand firm in our ability to protect and defend ourselves," the statement emphasized.

The FO reiterated Pakistan's readiness to safeguard its sovereignty against aggression, citing evidence provided on January 25 that elucidated India's campaign of extrajudicial assassinations on Pakistani soil.

"It is crucial for the international community to hold India accountable for its illegal actions," the FO concluded.