Heightened Tensions: Pakistan Responds to Allegations and Threats

Amid escalating tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi asserted on Saturday that Pakistan would defend its sovereignty at all costs if its rights were infringed upon.

During a press briefing in Lahore, Naqvi refuted accusations linking Pakistan to the recent incident in Pahalgam, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to peace and calling for a fair and open inquiry into the matter.

“Pakistan is prepared to offer complete collaboration to any impartial entity undertaking an investigation, with the goal of uncovering the true individuals responsible for the assault,” he stated.

The warning comes after a fatal shooting in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where 26 tourists lost their lives at a picturesque location in Pahalgam. The deceased included a Nepali citizen.

In response to the attack, India implemented unilateral measures against Pakistan, such as suspending a water-sharing agreement, declaring the closure of the primary land border crossing, reducing diplomatic relations, and revoking visas.

Subsequently, Pakistan responded by ordering the expulsion of Indian diplomats and military attachés, invalidating visas for Indian citizens—excluding Sikh pilgrims—and closing its side of the main border crossing.

Earlier that day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan was receptive to a “neutral and transparent” investigation into the Pahalgam attack in India-occupied Kashmir.

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

“We have irrefutable proof that India is planning serious actions against our country. In just the past three days, seven IEDs, planted by Indian-supported elements, have been discovered, intended for attacks in various Pakistani cities,” he disclosed.

The minister stated that India aims to disrupt Pakistan’s economic advancement, which New Delhi “cannot tolerate.” He remarked that India stages such events to divert attention whenever foreign dignitaries visit. “They are attempting to weaponize terrorism against Pakistan, but their intentions are transparent to the world,” he added.

He emphasized that while Pakistan has consistently demonstrated restraint and maturity, it would not compromise its sovereignty, territorial integrity, or independence. “We will reveal this charade to the global community. Should an impartial inquiry be conducted, Pakistan stands ready to provide all the evidence it has compiled,” he affirmed.

Naqvi highlighted Pakistan’s successful intelligence operations in thwarting recent terror plots orchestrated by India. “India sought to instigate bloodshed in Pakistan, with plans to create chaos through explosions in various cities. However, our agencies successfully disrupted these conspiracies.”

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

The minister further noted that the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Indian agency RAW were functioning as “a unified entity,” adding that Pakistan was aware of meetings between BLA leaders and Indian handlers in third-party countries.

“Regardless of whether it is Pahalgam or any other occurrence, our demand is that the true perpetrators be exposed. Pakistan welcomes a neutral, transparent investigation and pledges its complete cooperation,” he concluded.