Pathankot air base attack: Pakistan working on Indian ‘leads’

New Delhi may seek NSAs meeting before foreign secretary-level talks

NEW DELHI/ ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan is working on the ‘leads’ provided by the Indian government about the Pathankot air base attack in a significant move that may help keep the fragile thaw in frosty relations between the two neighbours intact.

“In line with Pakistan’s commitment to effectively counter and eradicate terrorism, the government is in touch with the Indian government and is working on the leads provided by it,” said a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Monday.



Although the Foreign Office would not give details, the statement suggested the Indian air base attack might have some Pakistan link and that Islamabad and New Delhi are in contact with each other on the issue.

The statement came hours after a Kashmiri separatists’ alliance, the United Jihad Council, claimed responsibility for the Pathankot attack, although the Indian media insists the attackers were members of the banned Jaish-e-Muhammad militant group.

Officially, India has not yet pointed finger at Pakistan. The National Security Guard (NSG), which leading the operation at the base, merely said it was a Fidayeen attack – which means the attackers knew they were going to their death. “These terrorists had come well prepared and were heavily armed” the NSG said in a short briefing.

However, the Indian media alleged the attackers came from Multan, in Pakistani Punjab. Quoting security sources the Indian media said the intelligence agencies had intercepted communication between the attackers and their handlers in Pakistan. Moreover, the level of training and ammunition used suggested ‘institutionalised training’.



The Foreign Office statement – second in three days -- said the challenge of terrorism called for strengthening ‘our resolve to a cooperative approach.’ “Living in the same region and with a common history, the two countries should remain committed to a sustained dialogue process,” said Foreign Office spokesperson Qazi Khalilluah.



It further said the unfortunate terrorist incident in Pathankot had been categorically condemned by Pakistan. “We understand the pain of many families who have lost their dear ones in this tragedy, as Pakistan itself is a major victim of terrorism. We have extended our deepest condolences to the government and people of India.”

The Foreign Office’s reconciliatory statement is aimed at sending a clear message to India that Pakistan is ready to go the extra mile in order to ensure that the peace process does not get derailed by the Pathankot incident.

Foreign secretaries talks in doldrums

However, scheduled talks between the foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan appear to be in jeopardy amid reports that the national security advisers (NSAs) of the two countries might meet first to discuss the fallout of the Pathankot assault.



After the operation is over, New Delhi will decide whether or not to go ahead with the foreign secretary-level talks scheduled for January 15, sources in the Indian officialdom told The Express Tribune  as Indian security forces struggled to neutralise two gunmen still holed up in the base.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi went into a huddle with top officials, including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, to discuss the attack. Modi was briefed by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. Doval, who was to leave for Beijing, postponed his trip. All the indications are that the foreign secretary-level talks will be rescheduled, and the NSAs will meet first to discuss Pathankot.

Diplomatic sources in Islamabad did not rule out rescheduling of the meeting between the foreign secretaries who were supposed to finalise a roadmap for a series of meetings between the two countries to discuss a range of issues, including Kashmir, terrorism, peace and security as well as Siachen and Sir Creek.



These sources also confirmed India is now seeking NSAs’ meeting before the foreign secretary-level talks. A final decision, however, will be taken once Indian authorities complete investigation into the Pathankot attack.

Islamabad has said it is ready to partner with India in dealing with the menace of terrorism. “We are ready to cooperate with Indian authorities to deal with this common challenge,” said a senior government official while requesting anonymity. The official hoped the process of engagement would not be disrupted due to the Pathankot episode.

Another official claimed that both Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Narendra Modi had agreed not to allow the peace process be derailed by such subversive activities.

“There will be hiccups…. there will be obstacles on the way to peace and the leadership of both the countries understands this,” the official added. “What we need to do is to continue talking to each other,” the official said.

Relations between the two countries recently took a dramatic turnaround following a flurry of engagements, including a surprise visit by the Indian premier to Lahore on December 25. 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 5^th, 2016.