Pathankot attack: Working on leads provided by India, says Pakistan

Pakistan is working on the "leads" provided by India on the terror attack on the IAF base in Pathankot, the Foreign Office said on Monday night in a statement whose tone was conciliatory.

Extending Pakistan's deepest condolences to the Government and people of India on the "unfortunate terrorist incident" in Pathankot, a statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "We understand the pain of many families who have lost their dear ones in this tragedy, as Pakistan itself is a major victim of terrorism."

Noting that the terror attack that left seven security personnel dead has been categorically condemned by Pakistan, the spokesperson said, "In line with Pakistan s commitment to effectively counter and eradicate terrorism, the Government is in touch with the Indian government and is working on the leads provided by it."

The statement, however, did not give details of the "leads" provided by India. It also said that India and Pakistan should remain "committed" to a sustained dialogue process. "Living in the same region and with a common history, the two countries should remain committed to a sustained dialogue process," it said, adding, "The challenge of terrorism calls for strengthening our resolve to a cooperative approach."

An element of uncertainty today crept in over next week's Foreign Secretary-level talks with Pakistan amid indications that these may be deferred in the wake of the Pathankot terror attack last Saturday.