Pakistan, India ties seem to be inching forward

India has asked Pakistan to inform it at least five days prior to a planned visit by Pakistani investigators to inspect the site of the Pathankot terror attack, Pak interior minister said here on Sunday.

The mobile phone number was allegedly in touch with the attackers during assault on Indian airbase in Pathankot on January 2 this year.

He also said that Pakistan has arrested several suspects and investigation was going on.

The minister said registration of a case was merely a step forward but it won’t do.

Following the Pathankot attack, India had accused the Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad of carrying out the brazen, three-day assault by sending operatives across the border. “So this is the first step of the investigation and as additional evidence is provided, once the investigation team visits India, then obviously names will happen and whosoever is responsible will be acted against…”, he said.

JeM chief Masood Azhar has been named by India as the mastermind of the airbase attack and Aziz confirmed media reports that he (Azhar) had been under “protective custody” since Jan 14.

“Registration of FIR in Pakistan is a positive step however more quick and result oriented steps are needed to be taken by Islamabad in investigation of Pathankot attack, the Indian Minister said in an interview with Aaj Tak News”.

Parrikar also ruled out withdrawing soldiers from Siachen, a call often made by Pakistan, saying there was no question of vacating the strategic location as India occupied the highest peaks there.

“When, what and how it will be done will depend on our convenience”, he said.

Analysts in Pakistan are viewing the whole episode of lodging FIR and sending investigation Team to India as critical, as it is a part acknowledgement that the attacks were originated from Paksitani soil. But Aziz said access to crime scene always helps the investigators. It is reported that Indian Foreign Secretary will visit Pakistan after SIT’s visit to India possibly in March to devise a viable mechanism for the halted bilateral talks.

Shah said Prime Minister Sharif should take parliament into confidence over the probe.