New Delhi, Feb 19: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has responded to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s assertion that Islamabad was nowhere linked to the suicide bombing in Pulwama last Thursday.
In a point-by-point rebuttal, the MEA, in a statement, said it was not surprised that the “Prime Minister of Pakistan refuses to acknowledge the attack on our security forces in Pulwama as an act of terrorism.”
Prime Minister of Pakistan has neither chosen to condemn the act nor condoled with the bereaved families, it added.
On February 14, a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a Central Reserve Police Force convoy in Pulwama, killing 49 troopers. Jaish took responsibility for the attack.
The statement released by the MEA further said, “Disclaiming any link between the attack and Pakistan is an oft-repeated excuse by Pakistan. The Pakistani Prime Minister has ignored claims made by the Jaish-e-Mohammad who perpetrated this heinous crime. It is a well-known fact that Jaish and its leader Masood Azhar are based in Pakistan. These should be sufficient proof for Pakistan to take action.”
The MEA further said Imran Khan offering to investigate the matter if India provides proof was a lame excuse. “In the horrific attack in Mumbai on 26/11, proof was provided to Pakistan. Despite this, the case has not progressed for the last more than 10 years. Likewise, on the terror attack on Pathankot airbase, there has been no progress. Promises of guaranteed action ring hollow given the track record of Pakistan,” it said.