Call for Transparent Investigation Following Pahalgam Incident
Pakistan is prepared to participate in a “neutral, transparent, and credible investigation” into the terror attack at Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Saturday. Addressing a passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kabul, Sharif said, “The recent tragedy in Pahalgam is yet another example of this perpetual blame game, which must come to a grinding halt. Continuing with its role as a responsible country, Pakistan is open to participate in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation.”
Highlights
Pakistan signals willingness to join a neutral and transparent probe into the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Shehbaz Sharif made the remarks during an address at the Pakistan Military Academy.
The Pahalgam attack left at least 26 people dead, mostly tourists.
Context of the Pahalgam Attack and India’s Diplomatic Measures
The brutal terror attack at Baisaran Valley resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, sparking widespread outrage. Indian authorities identified the terrorists involved as Adil Hussain Thoker, Hashim Musa alias Suleiman, and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai. Anantnag police have also announced a ₹20 lakh reward for information leading to their capture. In response to the attack, India swiftly implemented a series of diplomatic and strategic countermeasures, including the suspension of the 1960 Indus Water Treaty and the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, and the closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari.
Highlights
Indian authorities named three terrorists involved and offered a ₹20 lakh reward for leads.
India suspended the Indus Water Treaty, SVES, and closed the ICP at Attari as immediate responses.
Rising tensions included Pakistani soldiers opening fire across the Line of Control (LoC) for two consecutive nights.
Sharif’s Strong Warning on the Indus Waters
Breaking his silence on the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, Shehbaz Sharif issued a stark warning to India against any attempt to halt or divert Pakistan’s share of water. “Water is a vital national interest of Pakistan — our lifeline for 240 million people,” he said. “Any attempt to stop, reduce, or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty will be responded to with full force and might.” Emphasizing Pakistan’s preparedness, Sharif added that the country’s armed forces remain capable and ready to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty against any perceived threats, invoking the 2019 Balakot episode as an example of Pakistan’s “measured yet resolute” response to Indian actions.
Highlights
Sharif warned that tampering with Indus water rights would face full-force retaliation.
Pakistan views the availability of water as critical to its national survival and security.
The Prime Minister referenced Pakistan’s 2019 military response to Indian airstrikes in Balakot.
Defence Minister Echoes Willingness for International Probe
Adding to Sharif’s statement, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in an interview with The New York Times, expressed that Pakistan is ready to cooperate with any investigation conducted by international inspectors. This follows rising global attention to the deteriorating diplomatic situation between India and Pakistan post the Pahalgam terror attack.
Highlights
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed openness to international inspections.
Pakistan projects its stance as cooperative in global forums following the attack.
The move aims to counter accusations and internationalize the investigation process.
