Shehbaz Sharif breaks silence on Pahalgam attack, says Pakistan open to neutral probe

Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has finally spoken out. He said his government is open to a "neutral and transparent investigation" into the incident, while issuing a stern warning to India about any perceived aggression, especially regarding the Indus Waters Treaty.

The attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Baisaran Valley, often called 'mini Switzerland', saw 26 tourists brutally killed by terrorists linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba. India has held Pakistan-based terror outfits responsible, prompting strong retaliatory measures — from suspending visa services to shutting down the Wagah-Attari border and freezing the Indus treaty.

Breaking away from the more aggressive tone set by Pakistani ministers, Sharif said, “Pakistan is open to participating in any neutral, transparent investigation. Peace is our preference. But we shall never compromise on our integrity and security.” This statement marks the first formal acknowledgment of the situation from the highest level of Pakistan’s government.

Sharif also used the opportunity to issue a veiled threat over India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that Pakistan would respond with "full force" if its share of water was diverted. The Indus river system is vital for Pakistan, supporting nearly 80% of its agriculture and powering a third of its hydroelectricity.

“Let no one remain under any false illusion. Our armed forces are fully capable and prepared to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Sharif added, drawing a parallel to the events of February 2019, when India conducted airstrikes in Balakot after the Pulwama attack. Pakistan had responded with a counter-strike, triggering an aerial dogfight.

Meanwhile, both nations have begun taking retaliatory diplomatic and strategic steps. Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian aircraft, while India’s suspension of the Indus treaty and cancellation of Pakistani visas have further deteriorated ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.