Heightened Tensions: Pakistan Responds to Allegations and Threats

Amid escalating tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi in the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi asserted on Saturday that Pakistan will defend its sovereignty at all costs if its rights are suppressed.

During a press briefing in Lahore, Naqvi refuted claims linking Pakistan to the recent attack in Pahalgam, affirming Pakistan’s dedication to peace and calling for an unbiased and open investigation into the matter.

“Pakistan is prepared to offer complete cooperation to any neutral entity conducting an inquiry, as we aim to uncover the actual culprits behind the assault,” he stated.

This declaration follows a deadly shooting in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where 26 tourists lost their lives at a picturesque location in Pahalgam. One of the victims was a Nepali citizen.

Following the attack, India implemented unilateral measures against Pakistan, including suspending a water-sharing agreement, announcing the closure of the primary land border crossing, reducing diplomatic relations, and revoking visas.

In response, Pakistan has directed the expulsion of Indian diplomats and military advisors, revoked visas for Indian citizens—excluding Sikh pilgrims—and closed its side of the main border crossing.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed Pakistan’s willingness to participate in a “neutral and transparent” investigation into the Pahalgam attack in India-occupied Kashmir.

Naqvi informed reporters 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 of India’s malicious intentions against us. Just in the past three days, seven IEDs intended for attacks in various Pakistani cities, planted by Indian-supported elements, have been seized,” he revealed.

The minister stated that India seeks to undermine Pakistan’s economic advancement, which New Delhi “cannot tolerate.” He claimed India stages such events to distract attention whenever foreign dignitaries visit. “They are attempting to use terrorism as a weapon against Pakistan, but the world is aware of their schemes,” he added.

He emphasized Pakistan’s consistent patience and maturity in handling the situation but affirmed that the nation would not compromise its sovereignty, territorial integrity, or freedom. “We will expose this charade to the world. Should an impartial investigation be launched, Pakistan will share all the evidence it has collected,” he stated.

Naqvi highlighted Pakistan’s successful intelligence efforts in thwarting India’s recent terror plots. “India’s intention was to instigate bloodshed in Pakistan through explosions in different cities, but our agencies effectively foiled those conspiracies.”

Regarding the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the minister reiterated Pakistan’s firm position, asserting that the dispute must be resolved in accordance with United Nations resolutions. “We will remain steadfast in our stance on Kashmir,” he declared.

The minister noted that the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Indian agency RAW were collaborating, with Pakistan aware of BLA leaders meeting with Indian handlers in other countries.

“Whether it concerns Pahalgam or any other event, we insist that the true perpetrators be exposed. Pakistan is ready to cooperate fully in a neutral, transparent investigation,” he concluded.