Pahalgam Terror Attack: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Calls For 'Neutral' Probe, Warns Against Threats To Sovereignty

Amid rising tensions with India, a visibly shaken Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan was willing to participate in a "neutral and transparent investigation" into the Pahalgam terror attack, while warning that the country would respond firmly to any provocation.

"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 said.

Sharif's statement marked a shift from the aggressive narrative pushed by Pakistani ministers, who had earlier alleged that India had "staged" the Pahalgam terror attack to escalate regional tensions.

The Pahalgam attack, where 26 tourists were killed by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in Baisaran Valley, stands as one of the deadliest terror incidents in Kashmir in recent years.

Holding Pakistan indirectly responsible, India retaliated with a series of punitive actions: suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, cancelling visa services for Pakistanis, and sealing the Wagah-Attari border.

In retaliation, Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian-owned and operated airlines, mirroring India's diplomatic downgrades.

Sharif warned that any Indian move to alter Pakistan’s share of Indus river waters would invite a response with "full force."

Pakistan's dependence on the Indus river system is critical, with 80 per cent of its agriculture and a third of its hydropower output tied to the basin.

"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 PM said.

Following the Pulwama attack that killed 44 CRPF personnel in 2019, India carried out airstrikes on terrorist camps in Balakot.

A day later, Pakistan responded with airstrikes in Jammu’s Rajouri sector, leading to an aerial clash where India shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet.

Pakistan PM's response comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday issued a stern warning to the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack, declaring that India will relentlessly pursue every terrorist and their backers.

“Today, on the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world — India will identify, trace, and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth,” PM Modi had said.

Also Read: UN Security Council Strongly Condemns 'Reprehensible' Pahalgam Terror Attack, Calls For Action Against Perpetrators And Sponsors