Make investigation transparent', Kerry tells Sharif on Pathankot

Washington/Islamabad: US Secretary of State John Kerry has called up Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and extended him full support to find out the truth in the terror attack on the IAF base in Pathankot.

Sharif, during the telephonic conversation, told Kerry that Pakistan is "swiftly" carrying out investigations in a "transparent" manner into the terror attack on the air base. "Kerry extended full support to the Prime Minister to find out the truth in the Pathankot terror incident," a statement issued by the Pakistan PMO said.

The two leaders also discussed the need to stay focused on the pressing challenge of terrorism in the region. "We can confirm Secretary Kerry spoke today Prime Minister Sharif. They discussed a range of bilateral issues of importance to our relationship and the need to stay focused on the pressing challenge of terrorism in the region," State Department spokesman John Kirby told PTI.

"The Secretary also reiterated our belief that it remains vital for India and Pakistan to continue working together for a more secure and prosperous region," Kirby said.

The Pakistan PMO statement said Sharif "told Secretary Kerry that we are swiftly carrying out investigations in a transparent manner and will bring out the truth."

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"The world will see our effectiveness and sincerity in this regard, the Prime Minister added," the statement said. Kerry's call to Sharif came amid Indian intelligence reports suggesting that groups and people in Pakistan planned and executed the strike on the Pathankot airbase.

Kerry said the US hopes that talks between India and Pakistan will continue despite the fact that terrorists have tried to thwart it because "continuation of India-Pakistan talks is needed in the interest of regional stability and the leadership role by both the Prime Ministers is required to ensure continuous dialogue," said the statement.

Sharif said Pakistan would not allow anyone to use its soil to carry out terror operations abroad, it added. The statement said Kerry "lauded the Prime Minister's leadership role in such difficult environment, which was the exact the leadership needed in this situation."