Maulana Masood Azhar clean chit puts Indo-Pak ties to test

Pakistan and India’s fragile ties were once again put to the test as New Delhi refused to accept Islamabad’s clean chit to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhar in the Pathankot attack case. A senior government official said India was perturbed over Pakistan’s assertion that the JeM chief had nothing to do with the attack.

“They were very furious. They believe Maulana Masood Azhar and his supporters carried out the strike,” the official said.

He said Pakistan has promised to further investigate the case. “New Delhi told our people [that] the findings were unacceptable. Naturally this could affect ties. We are pressing for a dialogue,” he added.

Sources said that the Indian side termed Pakistan’s claims as “doublespeak” as evidence against the JeM leader was “enough to act against him”.

“India seems to have made its mind the JeM is behind the attack. They are not ready to approve our investigations as independent,” said a source privy to the developments.

Another official said Pakistan had sought more evidence from India to substantiate its claims against Maulana Masood Azhar and other “Pakistani elements” who allegedly pulled the strings.

“India insists that it has given enough evidence to act. Apparently, they want the results of their choice. The visit of our investigators was also discussed. It may happen soon,” the Pakistani official said.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif recently said Pakistan was about to complete its investigation into the attack and will soon make it public.

He said the attack had a negative impact and disturbed the talks with India which were “going in the right direction”.