ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has cautioned the world that it will befittingly retaliate against any Indian military adventurism.

According to sources, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said at a briefing for foreign ambassadors on Monday that Pakistan would act in ‘self-defence’ if there was any action by the Indian side.

The briefing was held to update the ambassadors and heads of missions on the actions taken by the government in response to the Mumbai terror attacks and the investigation into information provided by India about the incident.

Indian High Commissioner Satyabrata Pal was not invited.

Mr Qureshi urged India to respond positively to Pakistan’s proposal regarding engagement for meaningfully addressing the issue of terrorism, particularly the Mumbai incident.

He asked the Indian leadership to refrain from indulging in a blame game that was straining ties between the two countries.

He said the focus should remain on counter-terrorism, which required “pragmatic cooperation” rather than indulging in blame game.

“A blame game should be avoided and India should cooperate with Pakistan to help bring the culprits of this heinous crime to justice,” Mr Qureshi said.

The minister reiterated the government’s resolve to fighting terrorism.

He reaffirmed the government’s determination to extend full cooperation and help in investigating the incident.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Interior Affairs Rehman Malik informed the envoys about the “concrete steps” taken by the authorities, including detention of suspects, launching a formal inquiry and constituting an FIA team comprising experts of the Special Investigation Group.

He said the terms of reference for the inquiry reflected the government’s intent to conduct a transparent and legally tenable investigation and proceed with the prosecution in accordance with the law of the land.