Participants at a high-level meeting in Islamabad “reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to cooperate with India to completely eradicate the menace of terrorism”, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s office said in a statement. India says it’s waiting for Pakistan to act.
Advertisement
After a meeting on Thursday, he had ordered an enquiry into the evidence provided by India, a media report said.
The official’s comments provided an insight into Pakistan’s planned response to India on the shared leads about the attack.
US State Department spokesperson John Kirby has said Pakistan knows well the threat of terrorism and Islamabad has vowed that they are not going to discriminate between terrorist groups.
Mr Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestation, according to Radio Pakistan. The evidence alleging JeM’s involvement in the Pathankot attack could affect the scheduled Foreign Secretary-level talk between India and Pakistan in Islamabad on Jan 15.
The intelligence agency has identified JeM chief, his brother Rauf and two others – Ashfaq and Kashim as mastermind of the Pathankot attack. Six terrorists, seven IAF personnel, and one civilian were killed, while 20 people were also injured during the attack which lasted till 5 January. Modi strongly emphasised him the need for Pakistan to take firm and immediate action against organisations and individuals responsible for and linked to the attack. There is a widespread speculation that the talks may be put off to enable National Security Advisors to meet before that.
Further, it was decided in the meeting that constant contact should be maintained with the Indian government in this regard.
“Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif said Pakistan was ready to boost cooperation with the neighbouring India as part of counter-terrorism efforts”, the report said.
Sources said Pakistan would keep the normal channels of communication through diplomatic missions open but National Security Adviser General Janjua would also stay in touch with his Indian counterpart on the matter.
Advertisement
Explaining in detail, Aziz said, “The comprehensive dialogue will include all outstanding issues, including the Jammu & Kashmir dispute, as stated in the joint statement issued during Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj’s visit to Pakistan”, Aziz said.
