Foreign Office says it has no information regarding the detention of of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) head Masood Azhar. Indian intelligence had earlier accused Azhar of being the mastermind of Pathankot attacks. While talking to the media, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah said that Pakistan is ‘not aware of such arrests.’
“Due to negative Indian response the Foreign Secretary level talks have been postponed for the time being.” he added. He further said scheduled talks for tomorrow will not be held and they will be conducted after consultation of both states. “Pakistan is ready to give its full support to Indian authorities with regards to Pathankot attacks investigation,” he told media.
Yesterday Pakistan announced that security agencies have taken Masood Azhar and his brother in custody but Indian government remained skeptical. Today the Indian government held a meeting under chair of PM Narendra Modi in which it was decided that there is no clear proof regarding the arrest or detention of Masood Azhar, hence the talks will be postponed. “There was no mention of Masood Azhar or his brother’s arrest in statement issued by the office of Prime Minister of Pakistan,” Indian sources claimed.
The National Security advisors of Pakistan and India will communicate further with regards to potentially resuming the dialogue process.