Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that Islamabad is open to a “neutral, transparent and credible investigation” into the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead, mostly civilians.
Speaking at a ceremony at a military academy in Abbottabad, Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s willingness to cooperate, while also reaffirming the country’s readiness to safeguard its sovereignty. “Pakistan’s forces are fully capable and prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against any misadventure, as demonstrated in the response to India’s incursion in February 2019,” he said.
Sharif’s comments echo similar remarks made by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who told The New York Times that Islamabad is ready to work with international inspectors on the investigation.
The deadly attack in the Baisaran area near Pahalgam has prompted strong diplomatic retaliation from India. In its response, New Delhi suspended the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty, shut down the Attari land border checkpoint, and reduced the staff strength of Pakistan’s high commission in India.
