The terror attack, one of the deadliest since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, has triggered a strong diplomatic and security response from India, which has accused Pakistan of sheltering the handlers and backers of the terrorist group involved.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Intelligence sources have revealed that one of the main accused, Adil Ahmed Thoker, crossed over to Pakistan years ago, received military training from terror groups, and infiltrated back into India along with Pakistani terrorists.
While Pakistan has often been accused of harbouring and funding terror groups active in cross-border operations, Sharif reiterated, “Pakistan has always condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
Sharif’s remarks come a day after Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told The New York Times that Pakistan was “ready to cooperate” with “any investigation conducted by international inspectors.”
Meanwhile, India has announced sweeping measures against Pakistan following a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri detailed India’s response, including:
- Downgrading of diplomatic missions in each country, reducing personnel from 55 to 30 by May 1.
- Expelling all defence, naval, and air advisors from the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi.
- Withdrawal of Indian military advisors from Islamabad.
- Immediate suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals.
- Closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari, with Pakistani nationals given until May 1 to return.
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably” abjures support for terrorism.
Tensions have continued to escalate along the Line of Control (LoC), with Pakistani troops engaging in unprovoked firing for a second consecutive night. Indian forces responded strongly, with no casualties reported so far.
The situation remains tense, as New Delhi asserts that diplomatic, economic, and military measures will remain in force until Pakistan demonstrates tangible action against terror groups operating from its soil.
Comments are closed.