Pak probe panel finds no evidence on JeM chief Masod Azhar's role in Pathankot attack

A high-level team constituted by Pakistan to probe into the terrorist attack on the IAF base in Pathankot has reportedly found no evidence suggesting the involvement of JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar in the incident.

Islamabad: In yet another instance of Pakistan's double speak on reining in terror, a high-level team constituted by it to probe the recent terrorist attack on the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot has reportedly found no evidence suggesting the involvement of JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar in the incident.

According to media reports, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Pakistan authorities today sought to dismiss India's claim that Maulana Masood Azhar's outlawed Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) terrorist outfit masterminded the deadly assault.

Six heavily armed gunmen had attacked the IAF airbase in Pathankot on January 2, leading to a three-day-long standoff that killed seven soldiers.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had ordered the setting up of the SIT after India shared the 'leads' with Pakistan on the Pathankot attack.

Subsequently, a crackdown was launched in Punjab against the JeM, its offices were also sealed and dozens of its activists detained.

The SIT has since been working on the Indian 'leads'.

The SIT members are also expected to visit India to study the evidence their Indian counterparts have gathered in this regard so far.

Officials privy to the SIT investigation were quoted as saying that Pakistani authorities have conveyed to New Delhi that there was no substantial evidence that could prove the involvement of Maulana Masood Azhar in the Pathankot assault.