Pakistan Rallies Global Support Over India’s Actions After Pahalgam Attack
- Lammy calls for dialogue; PM welcomes Iran’s offer to mediate
- Khawaja Asif demands international investigation
- No confirmation on Nawaz-Shehbaz meeting
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan’s political leadership remained actively engaged with international partners over the weekend to counter India’s “provocative narrative” following the Pahalgam attack.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, in separate discussions with officials from China, the United Kingdom, and Iran, highlighted India’s “false accusations” and its “unilateral steps,” including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty — a violation of its international commitments.
Mr. Dar, who also oversees the Foreign Ministry, held conversations with his counterparts from the UK and China, emphasizing Pakistan’s determination to safeguard its national interests while remaining committed to regional peace.
According to China’s Xinhua news agency, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi assured Mr. Dar that Beijing was closely monitoring the situation between Pakistan and India. Wang reiterated China’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s anti-terrorism efforts.
“As an iron brother and strategic partner, China fully understands Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and supports its efforts to protect sovereignty and national security,” Xinhua quoted Wang as saying.
He further stressed that a fair investigation was essential, and emphasized that escalating tensions would harm both countries and destabilize the region. Wang urged both sides to exercise restraint and seek dialogue to resolve differences.
Meanwhile, in a conversation with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Mr. Dar once again underlined India’s disinformation campaign. The Foreign Office stated that Lammy stressed the need for de-escalation through peaceful dialogue and welcomed Pakistan’s offer to engage in an independent and transparent investigation.
Both Pakistan and the UK agreed to maintain close coordination amid the developing situation.
Call for Global Investigation
Separately, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, addressing a media gathering in Sialkot, urged India to stop blaming Pakistan without evidence. He called for a United Nations-led international inquiry into the Pahalgam incident, suggesting the inclusion of China, Russia, Iran, and Arab nations in the probe, citing their better understanding of regional complexities due to historical ties.
Asif accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of fabricating crises for political gain, referencing a similar approach after the Pulwama incident in 2019. He warned that any conflict between two nuclear-armed states would have devastating consequences for global peace.
PM’s Call with Iranian President
During a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace. He welcomed Iran’s potential role in promoting dialogue.
The leaders exchanged views on regional developments and extended mutual invitations for official visits. PM Shehbaz also condemned India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, describing the use of water as a “weapon” as unacceptable.
Shehbaz reaffirmed that Pakistan rejected all forms of terrorism and denied any involvement in the Pahalgam attack, again offering to participate in a neutral investigation to establish the truth.
Additionally, the Prime Minister expressed sorrow over the tragic explosion in Iran’s Bandar Abbas, extending condolences for the loss of life and injuries and pledging Pakistan’s support during this difficult time.
Unofficial Meeting
Meanwhile, media reports surfaced suggesting a private meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his elder brother, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, at Jati Umrah to discuss the Pahalgam attack and its aftermath. However, no official confirmation has been provided by either the PM Office or PML-N sources.
