In an attempt to defuse mounting tensions with India, Pakistan on Saturday extended an offer to participate in any “neutral, transparent, and credible” investigation into the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan rejects the “perpetual blame game” that follows every cross-border incident and reiterated his country’s willingness to cooperate in uncovering the truth behind the attack.
“The recent tragedy in Pahalgam is yet another example of this endless cycle of accusations, which must come to a grinding halt,” Sharif said. “Pakistan, as a responsible nation, is ready to engage in any impartial investigation to bring the facts to light.”
The remarks come as India prepares an official response, with tensions already running high after 26 civilians were killed in a terrorist assault at the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam. Initial claims of responsibility by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), have since been withdrawn, with the outfit blaming Indian cyber agencies for hacking its communications.
Sources suggest that Pakistan’s intelligence apparatus, including the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), pressured the TRF to distance itself from the attack. The TRF’s retraction is seen as part of a broader attempt to shield Pakistan from international backlash.
In another development adding strain to the bilateral relationship, Prime Minister Sharif warned India against any attempts to alter the flow of water under the Indus Waters Treaty. Describing water as Pakistan’s “lifeline,” Sharif vowed a strong response to any move aimed at restricting Pakistan’s share.
“Water is a vital national interest,” he said. “We will safeguard its availability at all costs and under all circumstances.”
Sharif emphasized the preparedness of Pakistan’s armed forces, stating that the military stood ready to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity “against any misadventure.”
Highlighting Pakistan’s long battle with terrorism, Sharif pointed out that the country had suffered more than 90,000 casualties and economic losses exceeding $600 billion. “There can be no greater testament to our commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms,” he said.
However, he accused India of rushing to make “baseless allegations” without evidence and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the “Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.”
Meanwhile, Indian security agencies remain cautious as investigations continue. Officials suggest that the TRF’s denial and the lack of footage from terrorists’ body cams—previously believed to have been used to record the attack—could be a deliberate move to muddy the waters under Islamabad’s direction.
Analysts warn that with both sides hardening their positions, prospects for regional peace remain fragile. Diplomatic observers stress that a credible, independent investigation into the Pahalgam massacre could be a critical first step in restoring dialogue between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
