Heightened Tensions: Pakistan Responds to Allegations and Threats

Amid escalating tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad in the wake of the Pahalgam incident, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi asserted on Saturday that Pakistan would defend its sovereignty at all costs. He declared that every citizen would stand firm against any attempts to undermine Pakistan’s rights.

During a press briefing in Lahore, Naqvi dismissed accusations linking Pakistan to the recent Pahalgam attack. He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peace and called for an unbiased and transparent investigation into the matter.

“Pakistan is prepared to extend complete cooperation to any neutral entity conducting an inquiry, as our aim is to unmask the true individuals responsible for the assault,” he stated.

This warning is issued following a deadly shooting in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where 26 tourists lost their lives in a picturesque area of Pahalgam. Among the deceased was a Nepali citizen.

In response to the attack, India has taken what Pakistan views as unilateral and unsubstantiated actions, including suspending a water-sharing agreement, announcing the closure of the main land border crossing, reducing diplomatic ties, and revoking visas.

Pakistan has reciprocated by ordering the expulsion of Indian diplomats and military advisors, canceling visas for Indian nationals—with the exception of Sikh pilgrims—and closing its side of the main border crossing.

Earlier that day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated Pakistan’s openness to a “neutral and transparent” inquiry into the Pahalgam attack in India-occupied Kashmir.

Speaking to the media, Naqvi asserted that Pakistan possesses irrefutable evidence of India’s involvement in terrorist activities, not only within Pakistan but also in countries such as Canada and the United States.

“We have compelling evidence that India is planning severe actions against us. In just the past three days, seven IEDs intended for attacks in various Pakistani cities, planted by elements supported by India, have been confiscated,” he revealed.

The minister contended that India’s objective is to impede Pakistan’s economic advancement, which New Delhi “cannot accept.” He alleged that India stages such events to divert attention whenever foreign dignitaries visit. “They are attempting to use terrorism as a weapon against Pakistan, but the world is aware of their intentions,” he added.

He underscored that Pakistan has consistently demonstrated restraint and maturity in handling the situation but will not concede its sovereignty, territorial integrity, or independence. “We will expose this charade to the world. Should an impartial investigation be carried out, Pakistan will offer all the evidence it has gathered,” he affirmed.

Naqvi highlighted Pakistan’s intelligence successes, stating that its agencies successfully thwarted recent terror plots orchestrated by India. “India sought to instigate bloodshed in Pakistan, aiming to create turmoil through explosions in various cities, but our agencies thwarted these conspiracies.”

Addressing the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm position that the dispute must be resolved in accordance with United Nations resolutions. “We will never deviate from our stance on Kashmir,” he declared.

The minister further stated that the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Indian agency RAW were operating as “one entity,” and that Pakistan was aware of meetings between BLA leaders and Indian agents in other countries.

“Whether it pertains to Pahalgam or any other incident, we insist that the true culprits be brought to light. Pakistan is willing to cooperate fully with a neutral, transparent investigation,” he concluded.