Pakistan Offers ‘Neutral Investigation’ Into Pahalgam Terror Attack; India Vows Stern Action

New Delhi/Islamabad :Amid escalating tensions following the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday stated that Islamabad is open to a “neutral, transparent and credible” probe into the incident. Sharif made the announcement during a ceremony at a military academy in Abbottabad, signalling a willingness to engage international inspectors in the investigation process.

"Pakistan is open to participating in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation," said Sharif, while also reiterating that Pakistani forces remain “fully capable and prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” His remarks followed similar statements by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who told the New York Times that Islamabad is "ready to cooperate" with any investigation by international bodies.

The terror attack, which occurred in the Baisaran area near Pahalgam on April 22, led to the deaths of 26 individuals, mostly civilians, sparking nationwide outrage in India. In retaliation, India has taken strong diplomatic steps, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and closure of the integrated check point at the Attari border. All Pakistani nationals who entered India via the Attari land route have been directed to leave by May 1.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a strong warning in the aftermath of the attack. Speaking from Bihar, he declared, “India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. Terrorism will not go unpunished.” PM Modi added that those who conspired and executed the attack “will receive a punishment bigger than they can imagine.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Defence Minister accused India of using the attack as a pretext to escalate tensions for “domestic political purposes,” insisting that punitive actions were taken “without any proof or investigation.”

As regional tensions mount, both sides remain on high alert, with India conducting massive search operations in Kashmir, and Pakistan signalling its readiness for diplomatic engagement but warning against any further escalation.