Khan’s response is inadequate
Pakistan has shown no interest in addressing terror concerns
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan chose to talk about the Pulwama attack only five days after the assault claimed by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-mohammed (JEM), attributing the timing to his country’s preoccupation with a crucial visit by the Saudi crown prince. Mr Khan then trotted out his country’s stock offer of assisting in the investigation into the attack, taking action on the condition that India provides actionable intelligence, even holding talks on terrorism. He also called for introspection in India on the Kashmir issue and warned that Pakistan would have to retaliate if India carries out any attacks. Equally important was what he didn’t say — there was no condemnation of the attack or mention of JEM, whose top leadership, including its founder Masood Azhar, is based in Pakistan.
That his speech was greeted with scepticism in official quarters in New Delhi was hardly surprising. The Indian government hasn’t forgotten what emerged from Pakistan’s offers to help investigate the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2016 assault on Pathankot airbase, which too was blamed on JEM. Mr Khan’s supporters could say he was not in power when those attacks occurred, but they will do well to remember Mr Khan has shown no alacrity in getting things moving in the investigations into these attacks or the prosecution of the men arrested for the Mumbai carnage. It is understandable that the Indian government dismissed Mr Khan’s offer of assistance by saying there is already sufficient evidence for Pakistan to act and his pledges of action ring hollow in light of Islamabad’s track record.
Mr Khan’s course of action appears half-hearted. His predecessor Nawaz Sharif at least resorted to the usual ploy of placing the JEM chief under “protective custody” for some months after the Pathankot attack. Pakistan should note moves by Western powers to keep up the pressure on terror groups and terrorist financing as well as mounting domestic pressure on the Indian government to respond to the Pulwama attack. Given all the talk of Pakistan army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa desiring normal relations with India, and the civilian government and military establishment being on the same page –something Mr Khan often reiterates– Pakistan should start walking the talk before it is too late.