Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared on Saturday that Pakistan is open to a “neutral and transparent” investigation into the recent attack in Pahalgam, India-occupied Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists. The assault, which occurred on April 22, has been described as the deadliest in the disputed region since 2000. The previously unknown group, The Resistance Front (TRF), has allegedly claimed responsibility for the attack.
In response to the incident, both Pakistan and India have escalated tensions, with India suspending the vital Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), and Pakistan threatening to put the Simla Agreement on hold while closing its airspace to Indian flights. India has suggested cross-border links to the attackers, a claim Pakistan has firmly denied.
During a speech at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, Prime Minister Shehbaz stated, “The tragic incident in Pahalgam is just another example of the endless blame game, which must be stopped. As a responsible nation, Pakistan is open to a neutral, transparent, and credible investigation.” He criticized India for making baseless allegations without providing credible evidence or conducting a proper investigation.
Regarding India’s suspension of the IWT, the prime minister emphasized the importance of water for Pakistan, calling it the country’s “lifeline.” He added, “Any attempt to disrupt or divert the flow of water from Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty will be met with full force and determination.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz reassured that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to defend the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, referencing the response to India’s military action in February 2019, known as “Operation Swift Retort.” He emphasized that while Pakistan prefers peace, it should not be mistaken for weakness.
The prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, highlighting the long-standing dispute and Pakistan’s commitment to the cause, as championed by the nation’s founder, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
On the topic of India’s actions, which included suspending the IWT and downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz stated that India’s steps were politically motivated and intended to target Pakistan without substantiated proof. Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) responded by halting all trade, bilateral agreements, and flights with India, urging India to refrain from exploiting incidents like the Pahalgam attack for narrow political goals.
Amid rising tensions, the international community, including the United Nations, has urged both nations to exercise restraint. Saudi Arabia and Iran have offered to mediate, while U.S. President Donald Trump expressed confidence that both countries would resolve their differences, remarking on the long-standing tensions in the region.
In a related development, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reiterated Pakistan’s openness to an international investigation into the attack. He emphasized that India was using the attack as a pretext to justify punitive actions against Pakistan without any proof. Asif also warned of the potential for an “all-out war” if India were to escalate the conflict.
Meanwhile, reports indicated that Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged gunfire along the Line of Control (LoC) for a second consecutive day. No casualties have been reported.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) condemned the Pahalgam attack, calling it an act of terrorism and urging international cooperation to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Separately, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, met with Major General Ularbek Sharsheyev, executive director of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), to discuss regional security and counterterrorism efforts. The SCO official acknowledged Pakistan’s professionalism and sacrifices in combating terrorism.
