Pakistan open to neutral, transparent probe into Pahalgam attack: PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was open to participating in a "neutral, transparent and credible" investigation into the Pahalgam attack, amid rising tensions with India.

He said that the nation stands firmly with Pakistan’s armed forces to defend every inch of its territory, amid escalating tensions with India.

Speaking at the passing out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, Shehbaz reiterated that the armed forces remain fully capable and prepared to defend the country's sovereignty against any misadventure.

"Peace is our preference but must not be mistaken for weakness," he said. "We will never compromise on the dignity and security of our nation."

Addressing concerns over India's recent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam attack, Shehbaz warned that any attempt to block or divert Pakistan’s share of water would provoke a full-force response. He described water as Pakistan’s lifeline and a vital national interest.

"The recent tragedy in Pahalgam is yet another example of this pattern," he said. "Continuing with its role as a responsible country, Pakistan is open to any neutral, transparent and credible investigation."

He criticised India for levelling "baseless allegations" against Pakistan without verifiable evidence, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, calling Kashmir the "jugular vein" of Pakistan.

Shehbaz also highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism, noting over 90,000 casualties and $600 billion in economic losses.

“I also need to underscore the importance of Kashmir, as the Founder of the Nation Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah rightly said, Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan. Unfortunately, this globally recognised dispute remains unresolved despite multiple UN resolutions. Let there be no doubt, 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.”

His remarks follow Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s call for an international probe into the Pahalgam attack, as reported by the New York Times. In an interview, Asif said Pakistan was "ready to cooperate" with any investigation by international inspectors.

Asif rejected India's claims linking Pakistan to the attack, describing militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba as "defunct" with no operational setup in Pakistan. He warned that India’s actions were aimed at punishing Pakistan "without any proof."

The defence minister suggested the possibility of the attack being a "false flag" operation orchestrated by India to escalate tensions and undermine the Indus Waters Treaty, which New Delhi has now unilaterally suspended.

In a separate interview with Sky News, Asif cautioned that any full-scale attack by India would provoke an "all-out war," warning the international community of the grave risks involved.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has urged both India and Pakistan to exercise "maximum restraint" following the escalation.