As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror incident, Pakistani deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar heightened the discord by labelling the April 22 attack perpetrators as " freedom fighters ."
Dar made the remark during a press briefing in Islamabad, where he spoke alongside Pakistani ministers and National Security Committee (NSC) officials.
"Those who carried out attacks in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam district on April 22 might be freedom fighters, we don’t know who they were," Dar stated, following India's attribution of the attack to Islamabad and subsequent implementation of extensive diplomatic sanctions.
"I believe that they have tried to cover up their failures of internal matters and domestic politics by indirectly blaming Pakistan, yet again", Dar added.
India's response included suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty , nullifying Pakistani nationals' visas, and withdrawing Saarc visa exemption privileges.
Additionally, medical visas for Pakistanis were cancelled, with Indian citizens advised against travelling to Pakistan and current residents urged to depart immediately.
Pakistan's NSC declared India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty unlawful and provocative, stating it constituted an "act of war" whilst condemning New Delhi's actions as unilateral and politically driven.
The Cabinet Committee on Security, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, authorised these measures as part of a comprehensive response to the attack that claimed 26 lives.
PM Modi declared yesterday his commitment to "track and punish every terrorist and their backers". Previously, defence minister Rajnath Singh had assured a "loud and clear" Indian response.
Islamabad countered with its own measures, including suspending the 1972 Simla Agreement, closing the Wagah border crossing, revoking Indian nationals' visas, and restricting trade and airspace access for Indian aircraft.
Additionally, Pakistan expelled Indian military advisers and reduced Indian High Commission staff in Islamabad to 30, matching India's corresponding action.
Dar made the remark during a press briefing in Islamabad, where he spoke alongside Pakistani ministers and National Security Committee (NSC) officials.
"Those who carried out attacks in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam district on April 22 might be freedom fighters, we don’t know who they were," Dar stated, following India's attribution of the attack to Islamabad and subsequent implementation of extensive diplomatic sanctions.
"I believe that they have tried to cover up their failures of internal matters and domestic politics by indirectly blaming Pakistan, yet again", Dar added.
India's response included suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty , nullifying Pakistani nationals' visas, and withdrawing Saarc visa exemption privileges.
Additionally, medical visas for Pakistanis were cancelled, with Indian citizens advised against travelling to Pakistan and current residents urged to depart immediately.
Pakistan's NSC declared India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty unlawful and provocative, stating it constituted an "act of war" whilst condemning New Delhi's actions as unilateral and politically driven.
The Cabinet Committee on Security, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, authorised these measures as part of a comprehensive response to the attack that claimed 26 lives.
PM Modi declared yesterday his commitment to "track and punish every terrorist and their backers". Previously, defence minister Rajnath Singh had assured a "loud and clear" Indian response.
Islamabad countered with its own measures, including suspending the 1972 Simla Agreement, closing the Wagah border crossing, revoking Indian nationals' visas, and restricting trade and airspace access for Indian aircraft.
Additionally, Pakistan expelled Indian military advisers and reduced Indian High Commission staff in Islamabad to 30, matching India's corresponding action.
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