Heightened Tensions: Pakistan Responds to Allegations and Threats

Amid escalating tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi following the Pahalgam incident, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi asserted on Saturday that Pakistan would defend its sovereignty fiercely against any attempts to undermine its rights.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lahore, Naqvi refuted claims linking Pakistan to the recent Pahalgam attack, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to peace and calling for a fair and open investigation into the matter.

“Pakistan is prepared to fully cooperate with any impartial entity conducting an investigation, as we aim to uncover the actual culprits behind the assault,” he stated.

This declaration follows a violent shooting in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where 26 tourists were killed at a picturesque location in Pahalgam. Among the deceased was a Nepali citizen.

In the aftermath of 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.

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

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

Naqvi informed reporters that Pakistan possesses substantial evidence of India’s involvement in terrorist activities, not only within Pakistan but also in nations like Canada and the United States.

“We have irrefutable proof that India is planning significant actions against us. In the past three days alone, seven IEDs planted by Indian-supported elements intended for attacks in various Pakistani cities were confiscated,” he revealed.

The minister alleged that India seeks to impede Pakistan’s economic advancement, which New Delhi “cannot tolerate.” He observed that India stages such events whenever foreign dignitaries visit to divert attention. “They are attempting to weaponize terrorism against Pakistan, but the international community recognizes their intentions,” he added.

He underscored that Pakistan has consistently demonstrated patience and maturity in its approach but will not compromise its sovereignty, territorial integrity, or independence. “We will expose this charade to the world. If an unbiased investigation is conducted, Pakistan will supply all the evidence it has gathered,” he affirmed.

Naqvi highlighted Pakistan’s intelligence capabilities, stating that its agencies effectively thwarted India’s recent terror plots. “India aimed to incite bloodshed in Pakistan. Their scheme involved creating chaos through explosions in different cities, but our agencies foiled these conspiracies.”

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

The minister noted that the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Indian agency RAW were operating as “a unified force,” and that Pakistan was aware of BLA leaders’ meetings with Indian operatives in other countries.

“Whether concerning Pahalgam or any other incident, we insist that the true perpetrators be exposed. Pakistan is ready for a neutral, transparent investigation, and we pledge our complete cooperation,” he concluded.