Pakistan’s offer for a “neutral probe” after the Pahalgam attack rings hollow, given its history of shielding terrorists.

Pakistan’s Hollow Terror Pledges After Pahalgam Attack

Shehbaz Sharif’s “Neutral Probe” Offer: A Familiar Tune

Four days after the horrifying massacre of 26 innocent civilians in Pahalgam, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif finally broke his silence. His response: an offer to participate in a “neutral, transparent, and credible” investigation into the terror attack. But seasoned observers are hardly convinced. For decades, Pakistan has made similar overtures — only to quietly retreat without delivering any real cooperation.

The timing of Sharif’s statement is no coincidence. India’s toughening stance, including its move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, has placed Islamabad under growing diplomatic pressure. Yet, history shows that Pakistan’s assurances of accountability rarely translate into meaningful action.

A Pattern of Empty Promises

When examining Pakistan’s past behavior, a clear pattern emerges: grand promises followed by little to no follow-through. After the devastating 2008 Mumbai attacks, India provided Pakistan with extensive dossiers containing evidence against the perpetrators. However, no significant action was taken. Dawood Ibrahim, implicated in the 1993 Mumbai bombings, remains comfortably sheltered in Pakistan, as do the leaders of deadly groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, including Hafiz Saeed.

Even after the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack, India extended a rare olive branch by allowing a Pakistani Joint Investigation Team to visit the site. Islamabad, in return, barred Indian investigators from accessing Pakistani soil, violating the agreed terms. No serious evidence exchange ever took place, and the trail of justice went cold — yet again.

Similar inertia followed the terror strikes in Uri and Pulwama. While Pathankot and Uri targeted military personnel, the Pahalgam massacre chillingly marked a shift, focusing solely on unarmed Hindu civilians, in what appears to be a calculated attempt to ignite communal tensions across India.

Terrorism: A Problem of Pakistan’s Own Making

When Pakistani officials cite the heavy casualties and economic losses they have suffered in their fight against terrorism, they often omit a critical fact: their own military and political institutions are deeply complicit. For decades, Pakistan has allowed extremist networks to fester and spread within its borders, turning the country into a global hub for terrorism.

According to a 2023 report by the United States Institute of Peace, despite international pressure, Pakistan continues to provide safe havens to extremist leaders, enabling them to orchestrate cross-border attacks. This duality — fighting some terror groups while sheltering others — has not only devastated neighboring countries but also destabilized Pakistan itself.

If Islamabad truly wishes to prevent further deterioration in its already fragile relations with India, it must move beyond hollow rhetoric. It needs to dismantle terrorist infrastructures operating within its borders and demonstrate — with tangible actions, not words — its commitment to eradicating terror.

The Consequences of Inaction

India’s patience is visibly wearing thin. By suspending elements of the Indus Waters Treaty — a foundational agreement between the two nations — New Delhi has sent a clear signal: there will be consequences for continued provocation. Experts believe that unless Pakistan changes course, it could face more severe diplomatic isolation and potential economic repercussions.

Military analysts warn that if cross-border attacks persist, India might eventually feel compelled to explore non-militaristic and even militaristic responses. In such a scenario, Pakistan’s leaders will have no one but themselves to blame for inviting retribution.

Statements from Pakistan’s army chief, defense minister, and now its prime minister seem to blend diplomacy with denial, offering no concrete measures to stem the terror tide. Without meaningful change, these words serve only as a smokescreen — one that the international community, and especially India, can now see through.

A Path Forward — If Pakistan Chooses

The ball, as always, lies squarely in Pakistan’s court. Ending the culture of harboring extremists is not merely a favor to the world — it is essential for Pakistan’s own survival and progress. Taking genuine steps to dismantle terror networks, prosecuting known terror leaders, and fostering transparent cooperation with India could mark the beginning of a new chapter.

But history tempers expectations. Until Islamabad chooses substance over showmanship, the cycle of bloodshed, broken promises, and deepening mistrust is likely to continue.

Disclaimer:
This article is a journalistic analysis based on publicly available reports and expert opinions. It does not intend to malign any nation, group, or individual but aims to present facts and informed perspectives on recent events impacting regional and global security.

source : Hindustan Times