Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has broken his silence over the growing tensions with India following the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where 26 tourists were killed by Lashkar-e-Taiba militants in the Baisaran Valley — often referred to as 'mini Switzerland'. In a statement that seemed both defensive and slightly conciliatory, Sharif said Pakistan was ready to participate in a “neutral, transparent and credible investigation” into the attack. However, he also warned that Pakistan was fully prepared to respond to any "misadventure" from India, signalling no softening of their core stance.
Sharif’s comments represent a slight shift in tone compared to the aggressive rhetoric from other Pakistani leaders in recent days, who accused India of orchestrating the Pahalgam attack to "create a regional crisis." While Sharif repeated old assertions — invoking Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah's claim that Kashmir is the country's "jugular vein" — his openness to an international investigation was notable. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Kashmiris’ right to "self-determination."
Tensions escalated dramatically after the Pahalgam attack. India indirectly blamed Pakistan, leading to a swift and severe response: New Delhi suspended key provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty, halted visa issuance for Pakistani citizens, downgraded diplomatic ties, and closed the Wagah-Attari border crossing. Pakistan hit back by shutting its airspace to Indian airlines, setting off a tit-for-tat spiral.
Regarding the Indus Waters Treaty — a crucial agreement dating back to 1960 that governs the shared use of the Indus river system — Sharif issued a stern warning. He emphasized that Pakistan would respond with “full force” to any attempt by India to restrict or divert river waters, underlining how vital the Indus is to Pakistan’s agriculture and hydroelectric power generation.
Sharif also referenced the 2019 Balakot airstrikes to remind India of Pakistan’s military readiness. Following the Pulwama attack that year, India had conducted airstrikes deep inside Pakistani territory at terror camps in Balakot, to which Pakistan retaliated with aerial strikes of its own. Sharif stressed that Pakistan's armed forces were “fully capable and prepared” to defend the country, should tensions escalate again.
Would you like me to summarize how international reactions have shaped after these developments? It’s starting to draw attention globally too.
