New Delhi: Pakistan on Sunday expressed readiness to join a “neutral and transparent” investigation into the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 people. Speaking at the passing-out parade of army cadets at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, “The recent incident in Pahalgam is yet another example of the perpetual blame game which must end. Pakistan, as a responsible nation, is willing to participate in any neutral, transparent, and credible investigation.”
Sharif’s statement came just days after India announced several punitive measures against Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam attack. These include suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down the land border crossing at Attari, and downgrading diplomatic ties.
Omar questions Pakistan’s intent
The Indian government has not officially responded to Sharif’s offer so far. However, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned the sincerity behind Pakistan’s proposal. “Initially, they denied anything had happened in Pahalgam. Then they blamed India itself. When their own narrative keeps shifting, it’s difficult to trust such offers,” Abdullah said.
Pakistan’s past record on terror investigations raises doubts. This is not the first time Pakistan has proposed assisting in investigations linked to terror attacks in India. In 2016, following the Jaish-e-Mohammed-led attack on the Pathankot Air Force base that killed eight, Pakistan sent a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) — which included members of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) — to India from March 27 to 31. The JIT was allowed to collect evidence and question witnesses along with Indian agencies. However, the effort ultimately produced no meaningful results, and India accused Pakistan of not acting sincerely.
Over the years, India has provided Pakistan with judicial requests, dossiers, and even DNA samples related to terror attacks, but Islamabad has often ignored the evidence or failed to act. Key examples include:
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Mumbai attacks (November 2008): India handed over detailed evidence against Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed and other operatives. A Pakistani judicial commission visited India but no substantial action followed. Hafiz Saeed continues to evade serious punishment, despite intermittent detentions.
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Pathankot attack (January 2016): Pakistan’s JIT was given access to the airbase, but India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) was not allowed a reciprocal visit to Pakistan, violating the principle of mutual cooperation.
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Uri attack (September 2016): India sent a Letter Rogatory containing DNA evidence of the terrorists involved, but Pakistan failed to act upon it.
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Pulwama attack (February 2019): India’s NIA provided detailed information on Pakistani nationals involved in the attack and sought specific cooperation through judicial requests. Pakistan neither shared requested information nor took any significant action, instead projecting itself as a victim of terrorism.
