Pakistan to welcome Turkiye’s input in transparent probe into IIOJ&K attack: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said that despite India’s provocative actions following the Pahalgam incident, Pakistan’s response was responsible and measured.

He reiterated that Pakistan had always condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with Turkiye Ambassador Dr Irfan Neziroglu, who called on him here at the PM House.

The prime minister emphasized that India had failed to share any evidence and was falsely trying to link Pakistan to the Pahalgam incident, the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release. India had yet to respond to Pakistan’s offer to have a credible, transparent and neutral international investigation to ascertain the facts behind the Pahalgam incident, he said, adding, Pakistan would cooperate fully with such an investigation if Turkiye joined it. The Turkish ambassador informed the prime minister that Turkiye appreciated Pakistan’s position and expressed solidarity with Pakistan while calling for de-escalation and urging restraint in the current crisis to maintain peace and security in South Asia.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with Swiss Federal Councillor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis. “The DPM/FM briefed FM Cassis on the evolving regional security situation, expressing grave concern over India’s recent provocative actions, including baseless allegations, inflammatory propaganda and its unilateral decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance -- an outright violation of international legal obligations,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a press release.

He reiterated Pakistan’s call for an independent and transparent international investigation to establish the facts. Dar underscored Pakistan’s commitment to exercising restraint in the interest of regional peace and security, while reserving the right to protect its sovereignty and national interests.

The Swiss FM appreciated Pakistan’s commitment to peace, and endorsed its proposal for an investigation. He expressed Switzerland’s readiness to offer its good offices and explore appropriate mechanisms to facilitate an impartial investigation. The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact on the evolving situation.