Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Offers 'Neutral Probe' Into Pahalgam Attack, Warns India Over Indus Waters Treaty

Breaking his silence on the growing tensions with India, a visibly shaken Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared he was willing to allow a "neutral and transparent investigation" into the Pahalgam terror attack, while stressing that Pakistan was fully prepared to respond to any act of aggression.

"Pakistan is open to participating in any neutral, transparent investigation... Peace is our preference. We shall never compromise on our integrity and security," the Pakistani Prime Minister stated.

Photo Credit: PTI

Sharif's comments represent a softening of tone compared to the more confrontational rhetoric recently adopted by other Pakistani leaders and ministers, who have accused India of "staging" the Pahalgam terror attack to "create a crisis in the region".

Pahalgam witnessed one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Kashmir in recent years, when Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists killed 26 tourists in the scenic Baisaran Valley, often referred to as 'mini Switzerland'.

India, having indirectly held Pakistan responsible for the attack, responded with a series of punitive measures and downgraded diplomatic relations. These steps included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, halting the issuance of visas to Pakistani citizens, and closing the Wagah-Attari border.

In retaliation, Pakistan introduced reciprocal measures, including closing its airspace to Indian-owned and operated airlines.

Sharif on Indus Waters Treaty

Addressing the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, Sharif warned that any move to reduce or divert Pakistan's rightful share of the water would meet with a "full force" response.

The Indus river system is vital for Pakistan, supplying water to 80% of its agricultural land and supporting a third of the country's hydroelectric power generation.

"Nobody should remain under any kind of false pretence... our armed forces are fully capable and prepared to defend the country and its sovereignty and integrality against any misadventure, as clearly demonstrated by its measured yet resolute response to India in its restless incursion in February 2019," the Pakistani Prime Minister said.

In February 2019, following the Pulwama attack that claimed the lives of 44 soldiers, India conducted airstrikes in Balakot, targeting terrorist training camps.

The following day, the Pakistan Air Force retaliated with strikes in the Rajouri sector of Jammu. During the subsequent aerial confrontation, India allegedly shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet.