NEW DELHI: Disapproving Pakistan's assertion that its JIT was not allowed to meet witnesses from the security forces, India today said the work of the Pakistan probe team was as per the Terms of Reference (ToR), agreed by their respective governments.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the JIT visit was on reciprocal basis and in accordance with the existing legal provisions.
He also emphasised that it was for the first time Government of India has received cooperation from Pakistan in form of a JIT visit in investigating a terror attack in India.
Asked about Pakistan Foreign Office statement yesterday that its JIT was not allowed to meet witnesses from the security forces, he said,"The work of JIT in India was as per the ToR which were agreed between the two governments through their respective foreign offices. They are on reciprocal basis and in accordance with the existing legal provisions."
He also dismissed a Pakistan media report which quoted an unnamed JIT member as having said that Pathankot terror strike was "stage-managed" by India, saying government does not respond to any speculative media reports and it will go by what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan officially communicates to it.
On the status of arrested former Indian Navy officer by Pakistan, he said India has sought consular access and same was awaited.
Asked if India, which had earlier asked Pakistan to allow it to examine JeM chief Masood Azhar, was still persisting with the demand, Swarup said he would not like to comment on any individual or any particular organisation which were part of an ongoing investigation.
On whether a team of NIA was wanting to visit Pakistan in connection with Pathankot attack, the Spokesperson said NIA did mention to the JIT that it would like to visit Pakistan in connection with the probe.