Pakistan Warns of Possible Indian Military Strike Amid Escalating Kashmir Tensions
Pakistan’s government has issued a stark warning that neighboring India may be planning a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours, amid rapidly rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed countries.
Speaking on Wednesday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed that Islamabad had “credible intelligence” indicating India intends to launch a strike, using last week’s deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir as justification.
“Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends to launch a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours using the Pahalgam incident as a false pretext,” Tarar posted on social media.
“Any act of aggression will be met with a decisive response. India will be fully responsible for any serious consequences in the region.”
The current standoff follows a recent attack in Pahalgam, a tourist destination in Indian-administered Kashmir, that killed 26 men. India has pointed the finger at Pakistani-linked groups, while Pakistan has firmly denied any involvement and is calling for an impartial investigation.
In the days since the attack, both nations have moved quickly to escalate pressure:
- India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty — a critical agreement governing water sharing between the two countries.
- Pakistan has responded by closing its airspace to Indian airlines.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to track down and punish those responsible for the Pahalgam attack. Meanwhile, Pakistani officials are warning that any Indian aggression could provoke a serious regional crisis.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, said a military move by India is imminent. However, he clarified that Pakistan would only consider using nuclear weapons in the event of a “direct threat to our existence.”
Kashmir has long been a source of conflict between India and Pakistan. Both countries claim the region in full but control different parts. Over the decades, they’ve fought multiple wars over the territory, making it one of the most volatile flashpoints in South Asia.
As of now, India’s foreign ministry has not publicly commented on the Pakistani warnings.
Source: SCMP – Pakistan minister warns India planning attack before Friday amid Kashmir tensions