India on Thursday welcomed the steps taken by Pakistan to investigate the antecedents of the terror strike in Pathankot allegedly by the the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and pledged to extend all help to the former’s special investigation team when it arrives in India. “We are looking for credible and comprehensive action from them to bring all the perpetrators of Pathankot terror attack to justice”, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said on Thursday.
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On Wednesday, India had deferred a decision on whether to go ahead with the Foreign Secretary-level talks with Pakistan and wanted to take it after NSA Ajit Doval’s return from Paris.
The Pakistan Foreign office would like to send an investigation team to visit Pathankot, which India would welcome and support by provide Indian investigators, Swarup said.
Pakistan said on Wednesday it had arrested several members of the Jaish-e-Mohammad militant group, which is suspected of masterminding an attack this month on an Indian air base.
“Both countries are in contact to firm up the dates for the meeting of the two foreign secretaries”, Foreign Office spokesman Qazi Khalilullah told the media here.
This arrest comes following the Pathankot air base attack which took place few days back. “So far what Pakistan has done we welcome”, Swarup said.
“Perhaps assurance has been given to government of India that Azhar Mehmood has been arrested, appropriate actions are in progress”, he added.
Will arrest Masood Azhar if his Pathankot involvement is “proved”, says Rana Sanaullah.
Pakistan has confirmed detention of the chief of a militant group blamed for deadly attack on an Indian airbase that has led to the postponement of Pakistan-India talks.
“The foreign secretary spoke to his Pakistani counterpart today and will set a date for the talks in the near future”, he said at a media briefing. There is speculation now that the NSAs of the two countries may meet before the FS-level talks.
Seven Indian military personnel were killed in the January 2 attack on the base in the northern state of Punjab, which was followed by a raid on an Indian consulate in Afghanistan that has also been linked to Jem.
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Reports from Islamabad said Azhar, his brother and “several individuals” belonging to his dreaded terror outfit JeM were detained and their offices sealed.
