Facing mounting international pressure after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday expressed Islamabad’s readiness to participate in a “neutral, transparent, and credible” investigation, according to a report by Dawn.
Speaking at a passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sharif said, “Continuing with its role as a responsible country, Pakistan is open to participating in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation.” He described Pakistan as the “world’s frontline state against terrorism,” claiming that the country had suffered “over 90,000 casualties and economic losses exceeding USD 600 billion.”
This statement comes amid growing scrutiny of Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism, intensified by recent remarks from Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif. In a viral interview with Sky News’ Yalda Hakim, Asif openly admitted that Pakistan had “funded and backed” terrorist organisations for decades, calling it a “mistake” that had severely damaged the country.
Asif further warned of a potential “all-out war” with India, escalating tensions between the two neighbours even as India gathers significant global support in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack.
In response to the attack, India has announced strong diplomatic measures, including the closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals, and the reduction of diplomatic staff in each other’s High Commissions. India has also suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty as part of its firm response.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reassured the nation that those responsible for the attack, and their conspirators, would face unimaginable consequences. Emphasizing a decisive stand against terrorism, PM Modi declared that the collective resolve of 140 crore Indians would dismantle the remaining strongholds of terror networks.
