PM Sharif calls Modi, assures support in airbase attack probe

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Tuesday and discussed the situation arising out of the terrorist attack on a heavily-fortified Indian military airbase in Pathankot near the Indo-Pak border.

According to reports in the Indian media reports, PM Sharif assured Modi of Pakistan's support in the investigation of the deadly terrorist assault that killed seven military personnel and wounded 22.

Five attackers have also been eliminated, but an operation was still under way to secure the sprawling compound in Indian Punjab that lies 25 km from the India-Pakistan border.

The news came shortly before Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar announced at a press conference that six militants who attacked the airbase have been confirmed killed. He, however, added that that the operation to secure the compound was still under way.

Late on Monday, Pakistan's Foreign Office said it was in contact with the Indian government over the airbase attack and that the Pakistani government is working on the leads provided by India.

The Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also contacted his Pakistani counterpart Gen. (Retd) Nasir Janjua earlier today and welcomed Pakistan’s statement in which it had condemned the attack on the airbase.