As Pakistan link to Pathankot attack became clear, its Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called up his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi today to promise a probe into the "specific and actionable" information provided and a "prompt and decisive action" against the terrorists behind it.
Sharif conveyed his "heartfelt sadness and grief" on the loss of lives in the attack and "pointed out to the Indian Prime Minister that whenever a serious effort for bringing peace between the two countries was underway, terrorists try to derail the process", said a statement issued by his office late tonight.
During the telephonic call, Modi pressed for urgent action against those responsible for the attack that began on Saturday last with six terrorists sneaking into the Air Base and leading to an encounter in which seven securitymen, including a Lt Colonel, were killed.
Sharif said "his government was working on the leads and information provided by the Indian government" and that "the Pakistani government would investigate this matter", said the statement issued by the Pakistan PMO.
"Both the Prime Ministers agreed that a cordial and cooperative relationship between the two countries would be the most appropriate response to the nefarious designs of the terrorists," it added.
Modi "strongly emphasized the need for Pakistan to take firm and immediate action against the organizations and individuals responsible for and linked to the Pathankot terrorist attack," said a statement issued by Indian PMO about the call made by Sharif from Sri Lanka where he was on a three-day visit.
The statement said "specific and actionable information in this regard has been provided to Pakistan".
Sharif "assured Prime Minister Modi that his government would take prompt and decisive action against the terrorists," the Indian PMO said.
The phone call from Sharif came as the Pakistan link to the attack became clear. NIA chief Sharad Kumar today said there was little doubt that the attackers were from Pakistan.
Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar added that there are indications that some of equipment used by terrorists were made in Pakistan.
