Pointing fingers before probe is unhealthy: Pakistan

Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday termed India accusing Islamabad over a terror attack in Punjab as “unfortunate” and said countering terrorism could only be possible through cooperation.

“Pointing fingers before investigation is not a healthy trend,” foreign office spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah was quoted as saying by Dawn online.

The attack took place in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district on July 27 when terrorists in army fatigues hijacked a car reportedly near the Pakistan border, drove to Dinanagar, opened fire at a bus stand and then stormed a police station.

All three terrorists were killed in an 11-hour gunbattle. Seven people — three civilians and four security personnel — were killed by the terrorists.

Alleging India’s aggression along the Line of Control, Khalilullah said Pakistan is capable of defending itself against any aggression.

He said Pakistani High Commissioner to India, Abdul Basit, postponed his visit to Chandigarh following the incident because the Indian government did not permit his driver and two other officers to travel with him.

He added that India and Pakistan are in touch with each other regarding the dates for the meeting between their respective national security advisors.