Pakistan offers to join 'neutral, transparent' probe in Pahalgam terror attack

Islamabad: Pakistan on Saturday offered to join any “neutral and transparent” probe into the Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 people.

“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 participating in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said while addressing the army-cadets passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Kakul.

Talking about the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty by India, Sharif said any attempt to stop, reduce or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan would be responded to with full force and might.

Sharif threatened to use all options if the water of its share was stopped by India.

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“Water is our lifeline and a vital national interest, and its availability will be safeguarded at all costs and under all circumstances,” he said.

He said the entire nation stood by the armed forces of Pakistan to safeguard every inch of the homeland. “Our valiant armed forces are capable and remain fully prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty and its territorial integrity against any misadventure,” he said.

“Our armed forces are a symbol of valour, exemplary discipline and unwavering commitment to the nation.”

“Peace is our preference but must not be construed as our weakness,” the prime minister said, adding that “we will never compromise on our dignity and security of the country”.

Sharif said, “Pakistan has always condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”

“We have endured immense loss of over 90,000 casualties and economic losses exceeding USD 600 billion,” he said, adding that there cannot be a more powerful manifestation of “our commitment that we will not tolerate any kind of terrorism of any hue and colour”.

The prime minister said he regretted that India continued the pattern of exploitation, levelling baseless allegations and false accusations without a credible investigation or verifiable evidence.

Sharif said Muhammad Ali Jinnah had called Kashmir a jugular vein of Pakistan. He said the “globally recognised dispute” remained unresolved despite UN resolutions.

“Pakistan shall continue to support the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people till they achieve their rights through their great struggle and sacrifices,” the prime minister said.

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