Days after the heinous terrorist attack killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif broke his silence on the escalating tensions with India and said that his country was ready for a "neutral and transparent investigation."
"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", the Pakistani Prime Minister said.
India, which has indirectly held Pakistan responsible for the terror attack, responded with a series of retaliatory measures against Pakistan including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), suspension of visas, closure of Wagah-Attari border amongst others..
Pakistan has also responded with tit-for-tat measures and closed its airspace to Indian-owned and operated airlines.
Pakistan's government, reacting to a series of diplomatic moves by India, warned that diverting water meant for Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty would be viewed as an 'act of war'
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said the country was the true custodian of the Indus civilisation and warned India that "either our water or their blood will flow through it".
A suspension of the treaty is feared to have heavy implications for Pakistan in the future as it provides water for 80% of its agricultural land.
Addressing a public rally on Friday, Bhutto, who has also served as Pakistan's foreign minister, said, "We will not allow anyone to bargain over the Indus. To hide its weaknesses and fool the people, the Modi government is unilaterally suspending the Indus Water Treaty by making false allegations against Pakistan, but I want to stand by the Indus River in Sukkur and give a clear message to India that the Indus River is ours and will remain ours, either our water will flow from this Indus or your blood!"
