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Pakistan offers UN members, other states for fair investigation of Pahalgam

Pakistan offers UN members, other states for fair investigation of Pahalgam

Express Tribune26-04-2025

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Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that Pakistan is ready to allow an international investigation into the recent Pahalgam incident, suggesting that experts from European and neighbouring countries be included.
Speaking on the television program Center Stage, Asif reiterated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's offer for an impartial probe, emphasizing that Pakistan has no objection to international oversight.
"Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has made it clear: let the international community investigate the Pahalgam incident and verify the credibility of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims," Asif said. He praised the Prime Minister's recent address as comprehensive, addressing all pertinent issues.
Asif stressed that European nations, neighbouring countries, and even members of the UN Security Council could be invited to oversee the investigation process to ensure transparency. He also highlighted China's crucial role, noting that Beijing shares borders with both India and Pakistan and has stakes in the Kashmir issue. Asif pointed out that the Kashmir conflict is a colonial legacy left by Britain, suggesting the UK should also be involved in scrutinizing the matter.
Criticizing the Indian government, Khawaja Asif remarked that even Indian citizens no longer trust Prime Minister Modi. "Modi's credibility is in tatters; he is manipulating the Pahalgam story for political gains ahead of elections," Asif said, noting that the Indian government has yet to provide any credible evidence regarding the incident.
He accused Modi of fabricating narratives for electoral benefits, comparing the current situation to past false flag operations, including the Pulwama attack. Asif alleged that Modi had previously incited violence against Sikhs, Christians, and other minorities in India to consolidate support among extremist Hindu voters.
The Defence Minister went further, accusing India of exporting terrorism to countries such as Canada and the United States.
Concluding his remarks, Khawaja Asif asserted that Pakistan is fully prepared to defend itself against any aggression. "We are not only 100 percent but 200 percent ready to protect every inch of our land. We have no aggressive intentions, but any act of aggression will be met with a strong response," he declared.

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