Pakistan Open to Fair Probe of Pahalgam Attack: PM Shehbaz Sharif
PM Shehbaz Sharif indicates openness for an impartial investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack, while reiterating Pakistan's preparedness to uphold its sovereignty in the face of increasing Indo-Pak tensions.
Abbottabad/Islamabad – Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad stands ready to assist in a “neutral, transparent, and credible” investigation into the recent terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that took the lives of 26 people, most of them civilians.
Addressing a ceremony at an Abbottabad military academy, PM Sharif indicated readiness to join an unbiased inquiry, saying, “Pakistan is open to participating in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation.”
The remarks have been made while tensions between Pakistan and India increase after the ferocious attack on Baisaran, close to Pahalgam. Post-violence, India has said it will be taking a range of retaliatory actions, from suspending the Indus Waters Treaty to closure of the Attari integrated check point, along with expulsions of the Pakistani nationals entering through the Attari land border, with the deadline set on May 1.
In spite of the gesture of cooperation, Prime Minister Sharif repeated Pakistan’s willingness to defend its sovereignty. “Our forces continue to be in top shape and ready to guard the country’s sovereignty and its territorial integrity from any misadventure, as well illustrated by our cautious yet firm response to India’s negligent foray during February 2019,” he declared.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif repeated the same in an interview with The New York Times, stating Islamabad was “ready to cooperate” with any investigation conducted by international inspectors. He accused India of using the attack for domestic political purposes. “India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty without any proof or investigation,” Asif alleged.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a harsh threat from a public rally in the state of Bihar. “India will locate, monitor and punish every terrorist and their supporters. We will follow them to the ends of the Earth,” Modi stated. He pledged vengeance against the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack, adding, “They will receive a punishment larger than they can think of.”
With diplomatic tensions ratcheting higher and higher, both sides seem locked in a classic but perilous standoff with cries of justice, sovereignty, and peace echoing louder than ever.
