In the wake of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 tourists in the scenic Baisaran Valley, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued his first public statement. On Friday, Sharif declared Pakistan’s openness to a “neutral and transparent investigation” into the incident, while simultaneously stressing the country’s readiness to respond to any potential “misadventure.”
Sharif stated, “Pakistan is open to participating in any neutral, transparent investigation… Peace is our preference. We shall never compromise on our integrity and security.” His remarks suggest a notably more conciliatory tone compared to earlier reactions from Pakistani officials, some of whom had accused India of staging the attack to ignite regional tensions.
The attack, allegedly carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, has intensified the already strained relations between India and Pakistan. In response, India has indirectly held Pakistan responsible, leading to a series of significant actions — suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, cancellation of visas for Pakistani nationals, and the closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing. These measures have triggered sharp retaliatory rhetoric from Pakistan, with warnings that any attempt to control or restrict Pakistan’s access to Indus river waters would be regarded as an “Act of War.”
Highlighting the critical importance of the Indus river system to Pakistan’s agricultural and energy sectors, Sharif emphasized that disruption to water flows would elicit “significant retaliation.” With over 80% of Pakistan’s farmland dependent on the Indus waters, and a major portion of its hydropower generation tied to the basin, the stakes are exceptionally high.
Referring to India’s 2019 Balakot airstrike, Sharif reminded the world of Pakistan’s “measured yet resolute” response back then, signaling that the Pakistani armed forces remain “fully capable and prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against any misadventure.”
As diplomatic tensions escalate, Pakistan has escalated its countermeasures by closing its airspace to Indian airlines and halting all trade, including transactions conducted through third countries. Simultaneously, Pakistan’s National Security Committee reinforced its stance, asserting its readiness to respond robustly if provoked.
Amid the rising tensions, Sharif’s call for a neutral probe appears to be a strategic attempt to lower the temperature, even as Islamabad categorically rejects India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty — a treaty Pakistan regards as a binding international obligation essential for regional stability.
Meanwhile, India remains resilient and united in the face of this adversity. Despite the horrors of the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government continues to demonstrate strength and resolve, bolstered by global solidarity and recognition of the persistent threat of terrorism that India courageously confronts.
