Omar Abdullah rejects Pakistan’s ‘neutral’ probe offer on Pahalgam attack, cites initial denial

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has strongly rejected Pakistan’s offer of a “neutral and transparent” investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack, calling out Islamabad’s initial denial and accusations against India. Addressing the media, Omar questioned the sincerity behind Pakistan’s probe offer.

“They didn’t even acknowledge at first that anything had happened in Pahalgam. Instead, they were quick to claim that India had orchestrated it. Now, when those who initially blamed us are offering neutral investigations, it’s hard to take it seriously," Omar said. He described the attack, which claimed 26 lives, as extremely unfortunate.

The comments came after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed willingness to support a neutral investigation during a passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy. He termed the tragedy a result of a "perpetual blame game" and said Pakistan was open to a credible inquiry.

India, however, has responded sternly to the Pahalgam attack by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari Integrated Check Post, and cancelling the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals. The government has also urged Indian citizens to avoid travel to Pakistan.

Investigations have revealed that The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group of Lashkar-e-Taiba based in Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack. It was also found that key suspect Adil Ahmed Thoker underwent military training in Pakistan before crossing over with other militants.

Meanwhile, tensions at the Line of Control continue to rise, with Pakistani troops engaging in unprovoked firing for the second consecutive night. Indian forces retaliated firmly, amid growing calls for stronger countermeasures against Pakistan’s actions.