Shehbaz Sharif breaks silence after Pahalgam attack, calls India's stand a "worn-out narrative", says Pakistan ready for "any misadventure"
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Following the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam that shook India and claimed the lives of innocent civilians, Pakistan 's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif broke his silence on Friday. In a statement reported by Pakistan's Dawn news, several hostile announcements were made by Pakistan, further escalating tensions in the region.In his statement, Sharif claimed, "India's worn-out narrative of victimhood cannot obfuscate its own culpability in fomenting terrorism on Pakistan's soil, nor can it distract attention from its systematic and state-sponsored oppression and human rights violations in IIOJK ."Despite the clear and undeniable evidence pointing to cross-border terrorism , Pakistan attempted to accuse India of wrongdoing.Referring to old and disputed claims, Sharif said, "Pakistan has in its custody incontrovertible proof of Indian-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan, including the confession of a serving Indian Navy officer, Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav, who remains a living testament to India's state-sponsored terrorist activities."Responding to the Pahalgam attack, Sharif said, "Pakistan will pursue all those responsible, planners and perpetrators alike and ensure that justice is served. Any threat to Pakistan's sovereignty and to the security of its people will be met with firm reciprocal measures in all domains."Pakistan rejected India's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty , calling it a "binding international agreement" and warning that any attempt to control the water flow would be "considered as an Act of War and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of National Power."Threatening diplomatic relations, Pakistan said it would hold all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement, "in abeyance" until India "desists from its manifested behaviour of fomenting terrorism inside Pakistan; trans-national killings; and non-adherence to international law and UN Resolutions on Kashmir."Pakistan announced the immediate closure of the Wagah Border, the suspension of all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas for Indian nationals (except Sikh pilgrims), and a 48-hour deadline for Indian citizens under SVES to exit the country.Pakistan declared Indian Defence, Naval and Air Advisors in Islamabad "persona non grata," ordering them to leave the country by 30 April 2025.It also ordered a reduction in the number of Indian High Commission staff in Islamabad to just 30 diplomats and support staff.Pakistan further escalated tensions by closing its airspace to Indian airlines and suspending all trade with India, including trade routed through third countries.In its statement, Pakistan's National Security Committee added that it remains "fully capable and prepared to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any misadventure, as clearly demonstrated by its measured yet resolute response to India's reckless incursion in February 2019."However, India stands strong and united. The Indian government, while grieving the terrible loss in Pahalgam, has continued to receive support and solidarity from nations around the world, recognising the true threat of terrorism that India continues to bravely face.
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