Pakistan ready for neutral, transparent probe: Shehbaz Sharif on Pahalgam terror attack

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (Courtesy: Reuters photo)

Pakistan is ready for a 'neutral and transparent investigation' of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, PM Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday.

"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," he said on the April 22 attack while addressing a passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kabul.

At least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed when terrorists opened fire at Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam. The terrorists behind the Pahalgam attack have been identified as Adil Hussain Thoker, Hashim Musa alias Suleiman and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai. Anantnag police has also announced a Rs 20 lakh reward for providing information on the absconding terrorists.

Shehbaz Sharif's remarks come even as Pakistani soldiers continue to open fire across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir for a second consecutive night.

In wake of the ghastly Pahalgam terror attack, India announced several diplomatic measures including  suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, and closing the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari among others. In its response, Pakistan announced shutting its airspace to all Indian airlines and suspended trade with New Delhi.

Breaking his silence on the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, Sharif warned that any attempt to reduce or divert water belonging to Pakistan would be responded to with full force. "I must also mention here that water is a vital national interest of Pakistan. Our lifeline and for our 240 million people, let there be no doubt at all its availability will be safeguarded at all costs and under all circumstances," he said.

" ... Therefore, 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. Nobody should remain under any kind of false pretence ... our valiant armed forces remain fully capable and prepared to defend the country's sovereignty and its territorial integrality against any misadventure, as clearly demonstrated by its measured yet resolute response to India in its restless incursion in February 2019," the Pakistan PM added.

On Friday, defence minister Khawaja Asif too told the New York Times (NYT) in an interview that Pakistan was ready to cooperate with 'any investigation which is conducted by international inspectors'.