"First Denied...":Omar Abdullah Criticises Pakistan’s Offer for ‘Neutral Probe’ into Pahalgam Attack

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday criticised Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s proposal for a “neutral” investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack, pointing out that Pakistan had initially denied any involvement and instead blamed India.

“They (Pakistan) didn’t even acknowledge at first that anything had happened in Pahalgam. Instead, they were the first to say that India had orchestrated it," Omar told reporters. "Now, when those who initially blamed us are making statements, it’s difficult to say anything further. I don’t want to comment on their remarks. What happened is very unfortunate and should not have happened," he added.

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that Pakistan was willing to cooperate in a “neutral and transparent” investigation into the attack that left 26 people dead in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

According to Dawn, Sharif made these remarks while addressing a passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul. He said, “The recent tragedy in Pahalgam is yet another example of this perpetual blame game, which must come to a grinding halt. Continuing with its role as a responsible country, Pakistan is open to participating in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation.”

Following the terror attack, India has taken a series of measures against Pakistan. These include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post, and the cancellation of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals.

The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. Investigators have found that Adil Ahmed Thoker, a key suspect, had undergone military training in Pakistan before infiltrating India with other terrorists.​