Ready for neutral probe into Pahalgam attack: Shehbaz

RAWALPINDI/ LAHORE: Terming the Pahalgam incident yet another example of perpetual blame game by India, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Saturday offered that Pakistan was ready to participate in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation into the incident.

“Pakistan has always condemned terrorism in kinds, and as a responsible country, is open to participate in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation into the Pahalgam incident,” he said while addressing the passing-out parade of cadets at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir was also present.

The prime minister regretted that Pakistan’s eastern neighbour continues the pattern of exploitation, levelling baseless allegations and false accusations without credible investigation or verifiable evidence. He questioned as to who understood this excruciating pain better than Pakistanis that had given more sacrifices to counter terrorism, and which country had suffered more than Pakistan. “It was the most powerful commitment that they would not tolerate any kind of terrorism in any hue and colour and had demonstrated it beyond any doubt,” Shehbaz added. The PM warned that any attempt to stop, reduce or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty would be responded to with full force and might. “Water is our lifeline and a vital national interest and its availability will be safeguarded at all costs and under all circumstances,” he warned. Shehbaz Sharif, at the same time, said peace was Pakistan’s preference, adding that desire for peace must not be construed as a weakness. The PM said the entire nation stands by the armed forces of Pakistan to safeguard every inch of the homeland. He noted that valiant armed forces are capable and remain fully prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty and its territorial integrity against any misadventure. “Our armed forces are a symbol of valour, exemplary discipline and unwavering commitment to the nation,” he said. Shehbaz said Pakistan had always condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, endured immense loss of over 90,000 people and economic losses exceeding $600 billion. “There cannot be a more powerful manifestation of our commitment that we will not tolerate any kind of terrorism of any hue and colour,” he added.

On Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the PM said the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah rightly declared Kashmir as the jugular vein of Pakistan, but he regretted that unfortunately, the globally recognised dispute remains unsettled despite UN resolutions. He said Pakistan would continue to support the right to self-determination of Kashmiri people till they achieve their rights through their great struggle and sacrifices.

PM Shehbaz Sharif mentioned the systematic persecution of minorities, particularly Muslims and Sikhs, in India, saying it has been more pervasive over the years, saying that India must accept full responsibility for its complete failure to protect the lives, dignity and security of these oppressed communities.

Shehbaz said Afghanistan is our neighbourly country and it is Pakistan’s earnest desire to live in peace with them for all times to come. He said despite Pakistan’s sincere efforts, terrorist activities continue to emanate from the Afghan territory. “We have delivered a strong and clear message to the interim Afghan government that while we desire peaceful neighbourly relations with Kabul, this cannot happen so long as the Afghan soil is being used by Fitnah Al Khwarij to attack Pakistanis,” he added.

Shehbaz said Pakistan has reinvigorated old and time-tested friendships while building new partnerships to expand its global outreach. As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, he said Pakistan is fully committed to advancing global peace and security and upholding the UN charter. He said, “We have also raised our voice for the people of Palestine.” The PM said Pakistan is taking bold strides towards visible economic recovery. “Our efforts are yielding results and achieving significant milestones in attracting foreign investment in key sectors such as mining, energy, agriculture, livestock, IT and defence production,” the PM said.

Separately, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Saturday warned that if any attempt was made to suppress Pakistan’s rights, every citizen of the country would fight till last to defend its sovereignty and independence.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, he rejected allegations linking Pakistan to the recent Pahalgam attack, reiterating that Pakistan is a peaceful nation and demands an impartial and transparent investigation into the incident. “Pakistan is ready to fully cooperate with any neutral party conducting a probe, as we seek to expose the real perpetrators behind the attack,” he added.

Naqvi said Pakistan has concrete evidence that India was involved in acts of terrorism not only inside Pakistan but also in other countries such as Canada and the United States. “We have solid proof that India is attempting serious actions against us. In the last three days alone, seven IEDs were seized that were planted by Indian-backed elements for attacks in various Pakistani cities,” he revealed.

The minister said it was India’s agenda to derail Pakistan’s economic progress, which New Delhi “cannot digest”. He noted that India orchestrates such incidents whenever foreign dignitaries visit their country, to divert attention. “They are trying to weaponise terrorism against Pakistan, but the world can see through their designs,” he added. He stressed that Pakistan has always handled the situation with great patience and maturity but would not compromise on its sovereignty, territorial integrity or freedom. “We will expose this drama to the world. If an independent investigation is conducted, Pakistan will provide all the evidence it has gathered,” he said.

Highlighting Pakistan’s intelligence efforts, Naqvi said their agencies successfully thwarted India’s recent terror plans. “India wanted to see bloodshed in Pakistan. Their plan was to create chaos through blasts in different cities, but our agencies foiled those conspiracies.” On the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled stance, saying the dispute must be resolved according to United Nations resolutions. “We will never step back from our position on Kashmir,” he said.

The minister pointed out that the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Indian agency RAW were acting as “one force”, and that Pakistan was aware of BLA leaders’ meetings with Indian handlers in third countries. Whether it is Pahlgam or Jafar Express attack in Balochistan, Pakistan wanted the real culprits exposed. “Pakistan is ready for a neutral, transparent investigation and we will fully cooperate,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pakistani and Indian troops exchanged gunfire overnight in contested Kashmir for a second day running, the Indian Army said Saturday.

India’s army said “unprovoked” small arms firing was carried out by “multiple” Pakistan Army posts “all across the Line of Control in Kashmir” overnight from Friday to Saturday. “Indian troops responded appropriately with small arms,” it said in a statement.

There was no immediate confirmation from Pakistan, but the two sides had confirmed gunfire between their respective forces the previous night.

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar Saturday had important meetings and telephonic conversations with foreign dignitaries.

Ambassador Jiang Zaidong of China called on him. Reaffirming the all-weather strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, the two sides exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and agreed to maintain close coordination.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott called on the foreign minister and views were exchanged on recent regional developments.

Dar held a telephonic call with Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and briefed him on recent developments in IIOJK. He thanked Azerbaijan for its consistent support to Pakistan’s stance on the issue of disputed territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Both leaders also discussed the ongoing Pakistan-Azerbaijan bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and investment sectors.

Dar also phoned Foreign Minister of Egypt Dr Badr Abdelatty. Discussing recent regional developments, he rejected India’s baseless allegations against Pakistan and condemned its unilateral actions. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its national interests while promoting regional peace and stability. Both leaders also discussed avenues to enhance Pakistan-Egypt bilateral cooperation.

Later, the foreign minister phoned his Türkiye counterpart Hakan Fidan and briefed him on the decisions taken by Pakistan’s National Security Committee in response to India’s baseless allegations, unilateral measures and propaganda. He thanked Türkiye for its consistent support to Pakistan at all fora. The two leaders agreed to continue consultations and close coordination in view of the evolving regional situation.

Meanwhile, Pakistani and Indian citizens are returning to their homelands after escalation of tensions between neighbouring countries. Pakistan’s 188 citizens returned home from India via Wagah border crossing in Lahore. Meanwhile, 309 Indian nationals also returned to their country.

Moreover, 23 Indian nationals working as part of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 broadcast crew have been repatriated to India, according to official sources. A police spokesperson said the group was escorted to the Wagah border crossing in Lahore and sent back to India, following directives from the Pakistani government.