ISLAMABAD/ NEW DELHI/ AMN /
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has ordered a probe by its agencies into the leads provided by India about the Pathankot airbase attack.
A high-level chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif today discussed the Pathankot incident and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to cooperate with India to completely eliminate terrorism afflicting the region.
According Pakistan official news agency APP, the meeting held at the PM House was attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, PM’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, National Security Advisor Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Janjua, the Director General ISI, Foreign Secretary and DG Military Operations.
A senior official said the leads provided by India were handed over to Pak Intelligence Bureau chief Aftab Sultan for further action. Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif said Pakistan was ready to boost cooperation with the neighbouring India as part of counter-terrorism efforts.
Mr. Sharif has also directed National Security Adviser Nasser Khan Janjua to remain in contact with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval in a bid to keep renewed dialogue on track after the attack on Pathankot air base.
Another official said the information provided by India was “not enough” as it was just limited to telephone numbers and Pakistan might ask for additional information. He said the meeting agreed that strong action would be taken after probe against anyone found guilty of involvement in the attack.
A statement issued after the meeting, says Pakistan is “reviewing progress” on the leads provided by India which has sought “firm and immediate action” against the terrorists behind the attack on the Pathankot air base. The meeting also expressed Pakistan’s condemnation of this incident.
The statement further said the leaders expressed confidence that building on the goodwill generated by the recent high-level contacts, the two countries would remain committed to a sustained, meaningful and comprehensive dialogue process.