After 26 Killed in Pahalgam, Why Did Sharif Suddenly Offer ‘Neutral Probe’ After TRF’s Shocking U-turn?

In a heartbreaking attack that has left the entire nation angry and in pain, 26 innocent Hindus were brutally murdered by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The terrorists even checked their religion before killing them, a horrifying and barbaric act that once again exposed the dark reality of terrorism funded from across the border.

Initially, the terror group ‘The Resistance Front’ (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, proudly claimed responsibility for the attack. There was no hesitation. Through their own platforms, they openly admitted to this heinous crime. However, soon after India’s tough response, TRF did a complete U-turn, now shamelessly denying any involvement.

In a ridiculous and unbelievable statement, TRF claimed that their digital platforms were “hacked” and blamed Indian agencies for posting the message. They tried to paint themselves as victims of a “cyber intrusion,” a laughable excuse that only shows their desperation. If TRF was so sure about being innocent, why did they first take responsibility? What changed so suddenly?

Sources in Indian intelligence agencies suggest that the real reason behind TRF’s sudden denial is pressure from Pakistan’s military leadership. After India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, shut the Attari border, and started serious diplomatic moves against Pakistan, it seems Islamabad started feeling the heat. Pakistan’s old game of using terror proxies and then pretending to be innocent is now falling apart in front of the world.

Adding to this confusion, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has now said Islamabad is ready for a “neutral, transparent and credible investigation” into the Pahalgam attack. Speaking at a military academy in Abbottabad, Sharif made this offer but at the same time, warned that Pakistan’s forces are “fully prepared” to defend the country against India. Is this a genuine offer for peace, or another trap to buy time and escape international pressure?

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also told The New York Times that Islamabad is ready to cooperate with “international inspectors.” But in the same breath, he accused India of using the attack as a political move and blamed New Delhi for punishing Pakistan “without any proof.” If Pakistan is really innocent, why does it sound so defensive and angry?

On the Indian side, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it absolutely clear that the terrorists and their backers will not be spared. Speaking from Bihar, PM Modi warned that India will track down the perpetrators and punish them wherever they are. His strong words reflect the mood of the nation. India will not tolerate such barbaric acts anymore.

What is Pakistan really trying to achieve with these confusing messages? First, their terror group owns up to the attack, then denies it. Then the Prime Minister talks about a “neutral investigation,” but at the same time threatens to defend sovereignty. Is Pakistan serious about fighting terrorism, or is it just trying to protect its terror machinery once again?

How long will Pakistan continue to play this dangerous double game? How long will they keep using terror groups as tools of state policy while pretending to be victims themselves? With India taking firm and strong steps on multiple fronts, diplomatic, military, and economic, it is clear that the old tricks of “plausible deniability” are not going to work anymore.

ALSO READ: “After India’s Stern Measures, Pakistan’s Sponsored Terror Outfits Scramble to Evade Blame for Kashmir Massacre”