Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif slammed India on Saturday for what he described as a persistent campaign of “baseless allegations” against Pakistan, calling for an immediate end to the “perpetual blame game.”

Addressing the grand passing out parade ceremony at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul, PM Shehbaz said that despite Islamabad’s clear commitment to fighting terrorism, India continued to exploit regional incidents without credible proof.

“On the country’s eastern neighbour continues a pattern of exploitation, levelling baseless allegations and false accusations without credible investigation or verifiable evidence, the recent tragedy in Pehalgam is yet another example of this perpetual blame game, which must come to a grinding halt,” he said.

“Pakistan is open to participate in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation,” he added.

He further criticized India’s internal human rights record, saying that India’s persecution of minorities, particularly Muslims has become more pervasive over the years.

“It must accept full responsibility for its complete failure to protect the lives, dignity and security of these oppressed community.”

The PM also contrasted India’s conduct with Pakistan’s sacrifices in the global war against terrorism, reminding the world of the heavy toll the country had borne.

“Pakistan on the other hand has condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestation as the world frontline state that is Pakistan against terrorism we have endured loss with our 90,000 and economic losses imagination exceeding $600 billion, who would understand this pain better than Pakistan, who have given more human sacrifices then Pakistan to counter terrorism. Which country of the world has suffered more economic losses than Pakistan of $600 billion to fight in the feet terrorism.”

Reiterating Pakistan’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, he said ,”We would not tolerate any kind of terrorism of any hue and color, and that has been demonstrated beyond any ray of doubt.”

Beyond the India focus, the prime minister also touched upon key national security issues, including Afghanistan-based terrorism, Kashmir, and Pakistan’s vital water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty.

“I must also mention here, that water is a vital national interest of Pakistan, our life line and for our 240 million people. Let there be no doubt at all, its availability would be safeguarded at all cost and under all circumstances.

Therefore, any attempt to stop, reduce or divert the flow of water belonging to pakistan under Indus water treaty would be responded to with full force and might and nobody should remain under any kind of false impression and confusion.”

He concluded by affirming the strength and readiness of Pakistan’s armed forces, adding that the sovereignty and territorial integrity will be defended, as demonstrated in February 2019.

“Therefore, I would like to make it clear in all humility but with fullest confidence at my command on behalf of people of Pakistan and our armed forces that nobody should make a mistake about it,”he added.

Earlier in his address, the prime minister congratulated the graduating cadets, including those from Qatar, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

The PM’s remarks come after Pakistan’s National Security Committee announced a number of measures against India including slashing diplomatic presence, closing airspace to Indian planes and revoking visas for Indians. The measures came after similar moves from India over the Pahalgam attack.