(a), (c) & (e) The Government is committed to addressing all outstanding issues with Pakistan through bilateral peaceful dialogue, as envisaged in the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration. Following talks between National Security Advisors of India and Pakistan in Bangkok on 6 December 2015, which focussed inter alia on peace and security, terrorism and tranquillity along the Line of Control, and the express assurance by Pakistan to take steps for expediting the Mumbai Terror Attack trial underway in Pakistan, both sides had agreed on 9 December 2015 to a Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue on all outstanding issues. After the Pathankot attack on 2-4 January 2016, it has been conveyed to Pakistan that it must take firm and immediate action against the organization and individuals in Pakistan responsible for and linked to the attack. This was done at the highest level when Prime Minister received a call from Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif on 5 January 2016. National Security Advisors and Foreign Secretaries of the two countries have been in touch with their counterparts.
(b) & (d) Yes. Official contacts were established with Pakistan to convey the specific and actionable information indicating the involvement of terrorist groups and individuals sheltered in Pakistan in the Pathankot attack. National Security Advisor and Foreign Secretary have since been in regular touch with their respective counterpart.
The Government of Pakistan stated at the highest level that the leads provided by India were being investigated. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired high-level meetings involving senior Cabinet Ministers and top civilian, Army and intelligence leadership on January 7, 8 and 13. After the meeting on January 13, the Government of Pakistan stated in a press release that based on initial investigation in Pakistan and the information provided (by India), several individuals belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad were apprehended and offices of the organization were also being traced and sealed. It also mentioned that the Government of Pakistan was considering sending a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to Pathankot, in consultation with Government of India. The Government awaits details from Pakistan and also awaits visit by Pakistan’s SIT. An FIR has been filed in the matter in Gujranwala, Pakistan against unknown persons.
Several countries have issued statements condemning the Pathankot attack and asking that those responsible should be brought to justice.
Download PDF Files
