New Delhi/Islamabad, April 26: Pakistan on Saturday offered to participate in any “neutral, transparent and credible” investigation into the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, calling for an end to what it described as a “perpetual blame game.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing a passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, said, “The recent tragedy in Pahalgam is yet another example of this perpetual blame game, which must come to a grinding halt.
Continuing with its role as a responsible country, Pakistan is open to participating in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation.”
Sharif also raised concerns over India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, warning that any attempt to reduce, divert, or stop Pakistan’s share of river waters would be met with full force.
“Water is our lifeline and a vital national interest, and its availability will be safeguarded at all costs and under all circumstances,” he said.
He further warned, “We will use all options if our water share is interrupted by India,” calling the river waters critical for Pakistan’s survival.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for its armed forces, praising them as symbols of courage, discipline, and national dedication.
“Our valiant armed forces are capable and remain fully prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against any misadventure,” he said.
“Peace is our preference but must not be construed as our weakness. We will never compromise on our dignity and security.”
Sharif raised that Pakistan had consistently condemned terrorism in all forms and pointed to the country’s own sacrifices.
“We have endured immense loss of over 90,000 casualties and economic losses exceeding USD 600 billion,” he said.
“There cannot be a more powerful manifestation of our commitment that we will not tolerate any kind of terrorism of any hue and colour.”
Turning to India’s accusations, Sharif said New Delhi continued a pattern of exploitation by levelling baseless allegations without verifiable evidence.
“India persists with false accusations without credible investigations, exploiting tragedies for political ends,” he said.
Sharif also touched on Kashmir, citing Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s famous statement that Kashmir is Pakistan’s “jugular vein.”
He said the “globally recognised dispute” remained unresolved despite United Nations resolutions.
“Pakistan shall continue to support the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people till they achieve their rights through their great struggle and sacrifices,” he said.
