Islamabad:
Pakistan said on Wednesday that it had nothing to do with the Pahalgam terror attack and amid growing stress with India, if it is “instigated”, threatened a strong response.
Addressing a press conference with Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhary and Foreign Office spokesman Shafkat Ali Khan, Ishaq Dar demanded an independent and transparent inquiry by neutral investigators in the Pahgam attack.
The press conference came a few hours after Information Minister Atullah Tarar warned India a few hours after India warned of possible military action in 24-36 hours.
Earlier, Defense Minister Khwaja Asif said that there was an increase despite efforts by the international community to pacify.
On 22 April, tensions between India and Pakistan increased after killing 26 people, most of the tourists in Pahgam in Jammu and Kashmir.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told the top defense brass that the armed forces have “complete operational freedom”, which is to make India’s response to the Pahgam attack, to make the mode, target and time decision.
“Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and expressions. No reason or purpose can justify taking the lives of innocent people,” Mr. Dar said reading a written statement.
“We are worried about the loss of life during the initiative attack. We also increase our condolences,” said Mr. Dar.
“Pakistan has nothing to do with this (Pahalgam attack) and we have said the same from the beginning,” he said.
Mr. Dar said that Pakistan believes in restraint. “However, in case of any work of aggression, Pakistan is firm to protect its sovereignty and regional integrity,” he said.
Lieutenant General Chaudhary said, “We are ready, don’t test us”.
Mr. Dar said that the entire area was facing a serious threat to peace and stability.
“World leaders have been requesting the practice of restraint in recent times. I have made it very clear from the government and the nation, that Pakistan will not be the first to resort to any growth step. However, in case of any increase by the Indian side, we will answer very strongly.”
Mr. Dar said that the National Security Committee of Pakistan had made it clear that any attempt to prevent or remove water flow related to Pakistan, according to the Indus Water Treaty and the right to the rights of the lower Riprian, would be considered as “war work”.
Responding to a question, Mr. Dar said that the use of nuclear weapons will be decided by the National Command Authority.
(Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is published by a syndicated feed.)
