ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly rejected any attempt to link Pakistan to the Pahalgam incident.
Shehbaz Sharif said this during a telephone conversation with Malaysian Counterpart Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday. He shared Pakistan’s serious concerns over the prevailing tensions in South Asia as a result of India’s provocative behavior since the Pahalgam incident, Radio Pakistan reported.
Shehbaz Sharif categorically rejected any attempt to link Pakistan to the incident, without sharing any evidence and reiterated Pakistan’s offer for an international, transparent, credible and neutral investigation to be carried out to ascertain the facts behind this incident. He said Pakistan would welcome Malaysia’s participation in this investigation.
The telephone call underscores the close friendship and mutual understanding between Pakistan and Malaysia, and both leaders agreed to remain in touch on regional and international developments.
While reaffirming Pakistan’s consistent condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, the Prime Minister underscored the country’s role as a front-line state in the fight against terrorism and the significant sacrifices it has made in this regard. He noted that recent actions by India are diverting Pakistan’s focus from critical counterterrorism operations along its western border.
The Prime Minister stressed that it is inconceivable for Pakistan to be involved in any such controversy, especially at a time when the nation has only recently emerged from a severe economic crisis and is now steadily progressing toward economic stability.
During their meeting, the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and Malaysia also exchanged views on bilateral relations, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening ties and enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and cultural exchange. In this context, the Prime Minister expressed his intention to undertake an official visit to Malaysia later this year.
Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister, Malaysian Foreign Minister Discuss Current Regional Developments
Earlier, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar underscored Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and security, while reserving the right to safeguard its sovereignty and national interest.
Radio Pakistan reported that Dar held a telephone conversation with Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato Seri Mohamad Hasan on Sunday and briefed him on the current regional developments.
Pahalgam crisis
The tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours escalated after gunmen attacked tourists in the Pahalgam area of occupied Kashmir on 22 April, killing 26 people and injuring 17.
India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the attack without presenting any credible evidence. Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly rejected the Indian government’s baseless accusations.
A day after the Pahalgam incident on 23 April, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security approved measures including the closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an independent investigation into the incident.
Islamabad also warned that any attempt by India to stop or divert the Indus River waters would be considered an “act of war”.
