LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.614
TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.04.2016

INVESTIGATION INTO PATHANKOT ATTACK

†614. SHRI A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN:
SHRI LALLU SINGH:
SHRI GANESH SINGH:
SHRI KAMAL NATH:
SHRI MUTHAMSETTI SRINIVASA RAO (AVANTHI):
SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA:
PROF. SAUGATA ROY:
SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI:
SHRI VISHNU DAYAL RAM:
SHRI D.K. SURESH:
SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR:
SHRIMATI K. MARAGATHAM:
SHRI KIRTI AZAD:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether India and Pakistan have agreed for bilateral investigations into Pathankot attack and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether Pakistan backtracked from its commitments to allow India NIA team’s visit to Pakistan;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of India thereto;

(d) the steps taken by India to bring the perpetrators of Pathankot attack; and

(e) the present status of bilateral talks between India and Pakistan?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) to (e) The Pakistani Joint Investigation Team (JIT), constituted by the Government of Pakistan in connection with Pathankot Airbase Attack, visited India from March 27, 2016-April 01, 2016. National Investigation Agency (NIA) was its interlocutor. The objective of the visit was to share information on our investigation into the Pathankot Air Base attack, obtain a briefing from the JIT on Pakistan’s investigations into the attack thus far, and to discuss follow-up actions. The interaction with JIT was held in accordance with terms of reference mutually agreed on the basis of reciprocity and extant legal provisions.

JIT’s discussions with the NIA were conducted in a cooperative and constructive environment. The JIT was given evidence against individuals, including members of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), who had conspired in the Pathankot attack and the handlers of terrorists who facilitated and guided them.

As for the visit of NIA to Pakistan, Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to Prime Minister of Pakistan on Foreign Affairs, mentioned in an interview to an Indian TV channel on 18th April that a decision would be taken depending on the ongoing investigation, the evidence available and the persons identified. Investigations in the attack are ongoing in both countries. Government is committed to bringing all those responsible for the Pathankot attack to justice.

Government remains engaged with Government of Pakistan at various levels, including to address the situation arising out of the Pathankot attack.

********