In the first official response following the devastating Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated Saturday that his country is \u201copen to any neutral, transparent, and credible investigation.\u201d The announcement came amid mounting diplomatic isolation and growing international pressure linking Pakistan-based elements to the attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sharif\u2019s offer mirrors a familiar pattern seen after previous terror attacks, where Pakistan proposes participation in investigations to deflect blame and wash its hands of complicity. Historical precedents include similar offers after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack, the Uri attack later that same year, and the 2019 Pulwama attack. However, these offers have rarely translated into meaningful cooperation or accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the passing-out parade of army cadets at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, Sharif criticized what he called a \u201cperpetual blame game\u201d and reiterated Pakistan\u2019s openness to a neutral inquiry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
India has firmly underlined the \u201ccross-border\u201d nature of the Pahalgam attack, citing a blend of technical intelligence and credible inputs that allegedly confirm Pakistan\u2019s connection to the terrorists involved. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly shared this information with 13 global leaders, while senior Indian diplomats briefed ambassadors from over 30 countries in New Delhi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Pahalgam attack resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals \u2014 25 Indians (24 tourists and one local resident) and one Nepalese citizen \u2014 further straining India-Pakistan relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to terrorism concerns, tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified over water-sharing agreements. Following India\u2019s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), Sharif warned that any attempt to block or divert Pakistan\u2019s rightful water flow would be met with \u201cfull force and might.\u201d He described water as Pakistan\u2019s \u201clifeline and vital national interest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
India’s Water Resources Minister C R Patil had earlier stated that “not even a drop of water from the Indus river will go to Pakistan,” signaling a tough new stance from New Delhi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sharif also invoked historical sentiments, quoting Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah by calling Kashmir Pakistan\u2019s “jugular vein.” This rhetoric closely followed provocative remarks from Pakistan Army Chief Gen Munir, which many observers believe foreshadowed the recent escalation in tensions, culminating in the Pahalgam tragedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reaffirming Pakistan\u2019s military readiness, Sharif stated: \u201cOur valiant armed forces are capable and remain fully prepared to defend the country\u2019s sovereignty and territorial integrity against any misadventure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As India strengthens its diplomatic case globally and Pakistan falls back on familiar tactics, the international community watches closely. Whether Sharif\u2019s latest \u201cneutral probe\u201d offer will lead to real cooperation remains to be seen \u2014 but history suggests skepticism is warranted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif reiterates old pattern of “open investigation” offers as India links cross-border terrorism In the first official response following the devastating Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated Saturday that his country is \u201copen to any neutral, transparent, and credible investigation.\u201d The announcement came amid mounting diplomatic isolation and growing […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":605,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-604","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-india-news","category-india-news-etw"],"yoast_head":"\n