Sat Apr 26 02:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Offers to Cooperate in Pulwama-style Attack Investigation Amidst Cross-Border Tensions
**Srinagar/New Delhi, [Date]** – Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to participate in any impartial investigation into the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, while denying any Pakistani involvement. Sharif stated that Pakistan is being unfairly blamed and that repeated accusations are unacceptable. This statement comes amidst escalating tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), where Pakistani forces engaged in a second day of cross-border firing, met with retaliatory fire from Indian forces. No casualties have been reported.
Meanwhile, Indian authorities have demolished six houses belonging to suspected terrorists in various districts of Jammu and Kashmir and have appealed to media outlets to refrain from reporting on defense operations and troop movements. The Kashmir Resistance Front (TRF), initially claiming responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, later retracted their claim, alleging their digital platforms were hacked.
In a separate development, over 1,000 suspected illegal Bangladeshi immigrants were arrested in Gujarat following a crackdown across Surat and Ahmedabad. This follows an appeal by Home Minister Amit Shah to state chief ministers to swiftly identify and deport illegal immigrants.
Further escalating tensions, encounters between security forces and terrorists have continued in Jammu and Kashmir. A significant cache of weapons, including AK-47 rifles and ammunition, was discovered in Machhil sector. In addition, an encounter with terrorists occurred in Kulgam district on Saturday morning, marking the fifth such incident in 72 hours. Police have detained 175 suspects and conducted numerous raids in relation to the Pahalgam attack, with anti-terror operations ongoing.
International reactions have included protests by Indian communities in Melbourne, Australia, and Kathmandu, Nepal, where a Nepali citizen was among the victims. The Assam government has also taken action against individuals supporting or justifying the attack. Reports indicate a Pakistani military official made threatening gestures towards Indian protestors outside the Pakistan High Commission in London.
Investigations are underway in Jharkhand, where authorities suspect links to the attack. The UN Security Council has condemned the attack, demanding the perpetrators be brought to justice. Preliminary investigations suggest the involvement of four terrorists dressed in military uniforms, using advanced weaponry. Eyewitnesses report the terrorists singled out and shot tourists after demanding identification.
The attack’s impact is being felt in Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector, with a significant number of tourists departing Srinagar airport. Border restrictions between India and Pakistan have been implemented. Reports also suggest a possible role of Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed in planning the attack. The NIA has reportedly found links to the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas in the attack planning. Despite cross-border tensions and retaliatory measures, the situation remains fluid with investigations and security operations ongoing.
First Piper 