Pakistan says no terror-camps exist in locations shared by India
Replying to the dossier on Pulwama attack, Pakistan's Foreign Office said on Thursday that no terror camps were found in 22 locations which India "pinpointed". Pakistan also added that no links could be established between 54 people it detained for investigation with the Pulwama attack, which happened in February. Indian officials are open to visit these locations on request, the foreign office added.
Post Pulwama, India and Pakistan came on brink of war
The Pulwama attack, which took lives of 40 CRPF soldiers, laid the foundation for worst escalation between India and Pakistan in decades. Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility for the attack and in response, India launched airstrikes in Balakot. A day after the discreet operation, Pakistan sent jets which returned due to IAF's intervention. Pakistan lost one F-16 in the dogfight.
Imran Khan promised to take action, asked for evidence
Apart from military action, India also worked to seek answers from Pakistan, diplomatically. A dossier with details of Pulwama attack was handed over to the neighboring country on February 27. India shared the dossier after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said he will act if "actionable evidence" is provided. Washing his hands off, Khan had said home-grown terrorism doesn't suit Pakistan's interests.
Investigated the information India gave, claimed Pakistan
Pakistan's foreign office claimed all evidence shared by India, including confession video of Adil Ahmad Dar (the terrorist who carried out the operation), the WhatsApp and Telegram numbers which shared videos supporting the attack, and 90 suspects, were thoroughly investigated. They added service providers have been requested to share data and WhatsApp has been asked to assist in the probe.
Meanwhile, Pakistan extended invitation for visits
"Similarly, the 22 pin locations shared by India have been examined. No such camps exist. Pakistan is willing to allow visits, on request, to these locations. Pakistan has acted with a high sense of responsibility and extended full cooperation," read the release.
Reportedly, terror camps in PoK have been shut down
While Pakistan's reply to dossier isn't surprising, reports claimed at least four terror camps have been shut down in PoK fearing action by the Indian Army. According to India Today, ISI and Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Ashfaq Barwal held a meeting on March 16 to chalk out the next course of action. A decision was taken to shut down camps at Kotli, Nikial, Pala, and Bagh areas.