Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday issued a video message, making an offer to the Indian government that Islamabad will take action if New Delhi provides actionable evidence of the use of Pakistani soil in the deadly Pulwama attack that killed more than 40 paramilitary soldiers in occupied Kashmir.
Here's what analysts and politicians said about the prime minister's speech:
'A measured and calculated response'
— PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira
"In my opinion, he delivered a national opinion, we have always condemned terrorism. India has created a fanatical situation. The PM offered investigation and cooperation. It was a big statement that if someone had been using or has used the Pakistani soil for terrorism was committing enmity to Pakistan. The prime minister's response was measured and calculated. I praise the statement."
PM's offer for dialogue 'biggest positive'
"Well done PM! It was a well-measured yet straight forward response to India on #PulwamaAttack. While many are showing exciting about the "retaliation" remark, the biggest positive is PM's offer for dialogue on all issues including terrorism. This is a test of patience not muscle."
'Positive message, nothing could be better'
— Retired Gen Talat Masood
"It was a positive message. Nothing could be better than it. Also, Pakistan will have to get ready for retaliation [in case of any aggression]. Issues should be resolved through political process. The region will face difficulties and India also will get nothing out of it if the country continues its policy of putting pressure on Pakistan."
'India never shows seriousness when it comes to proof'
— Senior journalist Iftikhar Sherazi
"Basically, the BJP government in India is facing internal pressure. They have to go for election after a few months, they have nothing to show on development or economic front, [so] they took the [Pulwama] incident as an opportunity to cash anti-Pakistan sentiments.
In the past, Pakistan has taken several steps and arrests were made in Pakistan in connection with Indian allegations but India never provided proof despite repeated requests. Be it Pathankot, or Pulwama, India never showed seriousness when it comes to proof."
'Instead of advising India, we need to prepare ourselves'
— Senior columnist, news anchor Saleem Safi
"Modi is a fanatic Hindu whose politics is based on Pakistan's enmity. Indian politicians and anchors have been influenced with a concept that they are going to become a regional super power. We need to stop advising them on how to act, instead we should prepare ourselves to foil their conspiracies.
We have to respond through our media but we ruined it, our media can't tell a truth to its own citizens, how can it deliver Pakistani truth to the global community. We need to strengthen our media."
'PM made a balanced statement'
— Law expert Ahmer Bilal Sufi
"From legal point of view, the prime minister gave a very balanced viewpoint. The premier, more or less, used the same words as mentioned in the international laws. He put the onus on India to provide proofs. He distanced himself from any irresponsible act."
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