Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has briefed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Pakistan’s position regarding the recent Pahalgam incident, strongly rejecting Indian allegations and calling for calm and accountability through an impartial investigation.
The call, reported by state-run APP, was initiated by Secretary Rubio on Wednesday, during which both sides discussed regional security and bilateral cooperation. PM Shehbaz condemned terrorism in all forms and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to combating extremism.
PM Rejects Indian Accusations, Urges Credible Probe
PM Shehbaz categorically denied any Pakistani involvement in the Pahalgam attack and called India’s rhetoric dangerous and counterproductive. He reiterated Pakistan’s demand for a transparent, neutral, and credible investigation to determine the facts.
“India’s provocative actions are deeply concerning,” he told Rubio, warning that such escalations would undermine Pakistan’s anti-terror efforts, especially against groups like ISKP, TTP, and BLA operating from Afghan soil.
“Weaponising Water” and Kashmir Dispute Raised
The prime minister expressed alarm over what he called India’s weaponisation of water resources, stressing that the Indus Waters Treaty offers no room for unilateral withdrawal. He reminded the US of the grave threat this posed to the 240 million people of Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz also underscored that a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains essential for long-term peace in South Asia.
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Emphasis on US-Pakistan Partnership
Highlighting the enduring 70-year partnership between Islamabad and Washington, PM Shehbaz pointed to ongoing areas of cooperation, especially counter-terrorism and economic engagement.
He noted that economic reforms introduced by his government have placed Pakistan on a path to stability and recovery. He also invited the US to explore deeper ties in sectors like minerals and infrastructure development.
The prime minister conveyed his good wishes to President Donald Trump, expressing Pakistan’s interest in strengthening bilateral ties under the current US administration.
Rubio Calls for Continued Engagement
According to APP, Secretary Rubio thanked the prime minister for the comprehensive briefing and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue to ensure peace in the region.
Dar, ISPR Warn Against Indian Provocations
Meanwhile, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, alongside DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, issued a stern warning to India, vowing a “befitting and decisive response” to any misadventure.
“We do not seek escalation,” Dar said, “but if provoked, Pakistan will respond with full force.”
He added that India’s attempt to exploit the Pahalgam incident for political gains risks destabilizing the entire region.
“As a country that has lost over 90,000 lives and suffered economic losses of over $152 billion due to terrorism, Pakistan understands the pain of innocent civilians better than most,” Dar concluded.
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