Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Saturday that Pakistan’s response to India’s provocative actions has been both responsible and measured, despite rising tensions following the Pahalgam incident.
The April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, has exacerbated tensions between the two nations. India has implied cross-border involvement without providing evidence, while Pakistan has rejected these claims and called for an independent investigation.
As tensions escalated, Pakistan reinforced its forces, and India’s Prime Minister granted “operational freedom” to the military. Pakistan, anticipating a potential Indian incursion within 24–36 hours, has engaged in diplomatic efforts to prevent further conflict.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz met with the Ambassador of Turkey, Dr. Irfan Neziroglu, at the PM House. During the meeting, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of terrorism in all its forms.
PM Shehbaz emphasized that India had failed to provide any evidence linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack, and reiterated that India had not responded to Pakistan’s offer for a credible, neutral, and international investigation into the incident. Pakistan expressed its willingness to fully cooperate with such an investigation and welcomed Turkey’s potential participation.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Pakistan’s significant sacrifices in counter-terrorism, which have included over 90,000 casualties and an economic loss exceeding $152 billion. He cautioned that India’s actions could detract from Pakistan’s ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his strong support for Pakistan in the ongoing crisis and for calling for peace in the region. He noted that Turkey’s backing is a reflection of the “historic, deep-rooted, and time-tested brotherly relations” between the two nations.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s focus on economic recovery and growth, stressing that peace and security in the region are essential for achieving these goals.
In response, the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan conveyed Turkey’s appreciation for Pakistan’s position and expressed solidarity. He also called for restraint and de-escalation in order to maintain peace and security in South Asia.
FM Dar Engages in Diplomatic Efforts
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability during a telephone conversation with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis. Dar rejected India’s “baseless allegations” and the country’s “disinformation campaign” while condemning India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a violation of international obligations. He reiterated Pakistan’s demand for a neutral and transparent investigation into the situation.
In a separate conversation with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, FM Dar expressed grave concern over India’s provocative actions and its violation of the Indus Waters Treaty. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s call for an impartial investigation and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to restraint while reserving the right to protect its sovereignty. FM Cassis endorsed Pakistan’s proposal for an investigation and expressed Switzerland’s willingness to facilitate an impartial inquiry.
Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact regarding the situation.
AJK PM Accuses India of Conspiring to Destabilize the Region
In a separate development, the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, accused India of plotting to create unrest in the region. Speaking at the All Parties Kashmir Conference, he warned that if India attacks Pakistan, the country would respond with full force. He emphasized that India is actively working to destabilize AJK and urged Pakistan’s political leadership to demonstrate unity and support the armed forces against any Indian aggression.
Reaffirming his stance on the Kashmir issue, PM Haq said that his position is supported by Pakistan’s people, armed forces, and military leadership. He stated that India’s actions have escalated the situation, bringing it back to the state it was in before August 5, 2019.
PM Haq expressed willingness to engage in debate on Kashmir policy and invited the All Parties Kashmir Conference to join in protests. He emphasized the importance of unity in the face of external threats, stating that “the enemy attacks you only when they think the nation is divided.”
