Pahalgam terror attack: Shehbaz Sharif threatens 'full force' if Indus treaty is suspended

Embattled Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday expressed his readiness to hold a "neutral and transparent" probe into the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. However, he threatened to act with "full force" if India suspends the Indus Waters Treaty.

India is likely to increase the capacity of hydroelectric projects like Kishanganga, Ratle and Pakal Dul in Jammu and Kashmir to stop flow of Indus water in a bid to exert strategic pressure on Pakistan.

"Peace is our preference. We shall never compromise on our integrity and security," Sharif said. He alleged that the tragedy in Pahalgam is another example of perpetual blame game.  His remark comes amid threats from Pakistani leaders who accused India of staging the terror attack. 

A total of 26 people were killed in the attack by the Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy for Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in the Baisaran valley. One of the main accused in the Pahalgam attack, Adil Ahmed Thoker, received military training from terror groups.

Responding to India's decision to suspend the Indus treaty, Sharif warned that Pakistan will respond with "full force" if there is any attempt to divert water. Pakistan depends on Indus water for 80 per cent of its irrigation and a third of its hydropower.

"Nobody should remain under any kind of false pretence... our armed forces are fully capable and prepared to defend the country and its sovereignty and integrity against any misadventure, as clearly demonstrated by its measured yet resolute response to India in its restless incursion in February 2019," PM Sharif added.

He was referring to the Pulwama attack in February 2019 when 44 soldiers were killed. In response to the attack, India targeted terrorist launchpads in Balakot.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday said his country was "ready to cooperate" with any investigation conducted by international inspectors. 

PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto threatened that "either our water or their blood will flow in the Indus."

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