Pathankot attack shows Govt.'s lack of commitment to tackle Pak: Congress

The Congress Party on Monday asked the BJP-led NDA Government to rethink its policy towards Pakistan in wake of the terror attack on Pathankot's air base and said the entire episode reflects lack of commitment on part of the ruling dispensation to tackle terrorism and Islamabad.

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit told ANI that no positive or long-term steps have been taken by the government so far with regard to Pakistan.

"This whole episode is showing that there is lack of commitment, there is confusion in government with regard to how to tackle terrorism or how to tackle Pakistan. The Prime Minister seems to be on a celebratory tour of himself, rushing off to Pakistan and coming back," he said.

Congress leader P.L. Punia echoing similar sentiments asked the Centre to rethink its foreign policy towards Pakistan.

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"Why doesn't Pakistan act against groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed? There is ample evidence showing that they receive help from ISI and Pakistan Army, and it is because of it that such incidents are taking place. Despite all this, our Prime Minister goes there to convey birthday wishes," he told ANI.

"We should pursue our foreign policy with great caution now. The Foreign Secretary-level talks are scheduled for 15th of this month and such incidents are talking place. We should insist Pakistan to stop these groups and then proceed with the talks," he added.

The Foreign Secretary level talks with Pakistan scheduled for later this month looks in serious jeopardy if evidence emerges that Pakistan's state actors were complicit in the attack on Pathankot Airbase.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had on Sunday held meetings with former Indian envoys to Pakistan to discuss the way forward in wake of the Pathankot attack.

Fresh gunshots were reported from the Pathankot airbase today, where a combing operation is on to flush out the terrorists.

A total of seven security personnel have been martyred in the operation so far.