Tensions mount as Pakistan warns of potential Indian military action

Pakistan's Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, has raised alarms, claiming Islamabad possesses "credible intelligence" suggesting that India may launch a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours. This warning comes in the wake of an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam.

In a social media post early Wednesday, Tarar accused India of using the attack as a "false pretext" to justify military action against Pakistan. While the minister did not provide any specific evidence to support his claims, the Indian government has not yet commented on the matter.

Tarar further warned that any aggression would lead to a firm response, and that India would be held fully responsible for any severe regional consequences. Pakistan’s Minister of Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, also indicated that an Indian military incursion seemed "imminent," but emphasized that Pakistan would only resort to nuclear weapons in the event of a direct existential threat.

Tensions have escalated between the two nations after India accused Pakistan-linked elements of being behind the April 22 attack in Pahalgam. This incident marked the deadliest tourist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in over 20 years, prompting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to vow retribution.

The Resistance Front (TRF), reportedly linked to the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack, though Islamabad has denied any involvement and has called for an independent investigation.

In the aftermath, both countries have implemented several diplomatic measures, including revoking visas and closing Pakistani airspace to Indian airlines. India also suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty, leading to protests in Pakistan and potential legal action from Islamabad.

Firefights have also occurred along the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border separating the two countries in Kashmir, prompting international calls for de-escalation. Efforts to mediate include outreach by U.S. officials and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who have emphasized the need to prevent a devastating confrontation.