NEW DELHI: As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, Pakistan’s top leadership has warned of a “befitting response” to any act of aggression.
In their first meeting since the April 22 attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari issued a joint statement on Thursday affirming the nation’s solidarity with its military. “The Pakistani nation is united and stands behind its armed forces, who are fully capable of responding to any threat or aggression,” they said.
Sharif also spoke with Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, during which he reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to cooperate in a “transparent” investigation into the attack, according to Radio Pakistan.
The comments from Islamabad came as Indian leaders vowed decisive action. Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack would be brought to justice. “We will not spare anyone. Each and every perpetrator will be hunted down,” he said.
Meanwhile, government sources said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted the Indian armed forces “full operational freedom” to determine the nature, timing, and scope of India’s response.
India has already initiated a series of retaliatory steps, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, sealing the Attari land border—the only operational crossing point—and downgrading diplomatic ties with Islamabad. On Wednesday, India escalated further by closing its airspace to Pakistani carriers.
