Pakistan Warns of Imminent Indian Military Action Amid Rising Tensions
Early Wednesday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar revealed that Pakistan had received credible intelligence suggesting India may launch military action within the next 24 to 36 hours. This alert follows heightened tensions triggered by the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
India has hinted at cross-border involvement in the attack without presenting any solid evidence, while Pakistan’s civil and military leadership have categorically denied any role. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged for an impartial international investigation into the incident.
Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors have escalated rapidly. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that Pakistan has strengthened its defensive capabilities in anticipation of possible aggression, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted his military full operational freedom to respond to the Pahalgam incident.
In a televised address following Modi’s announcement, Tarar said India was preparing for military action based on what he described as “fabricated and baseless allegations.” He criticized India’s approach as reckless and arrogant, dismissing New Delhi’s attempts to act unilaterally as judge and jury in regional matters.
Tarar emphasized that Pakistan, itself a victim of terrorism, stands firmly against it in all its forms. He added that Islamabad had proposed a transparent, neutral investigation led by independent experts—a move he said reflected Pakistan’s responsible stance as a state.
“Instead of choosing reason, India seems to have opted for confrontation, which could lead to dangerous consequences for the entire region,” Tarar warned. He further said India’s refusal to engage in a fair investigation exposed its true intentions, suggesting domestic political motivations were driving the aggressive posture.
He assured that Pakistan would respond firmly and decisively to any act of aggression, reiterating the country’s commitment to defending its sovereignty.
As fears of conflict grow, the Pakistan Stock Exchange saw a sharp drop during intraday trading. The April 22 attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the region since 2000. The group initially suspected, The Resistance Front, later denied involvement in the assault.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army downed two Indian surveillance drones in separate incidents along the Line of Control (LoC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The first drone was intercepted over the Manawar sector in Bhimber, while the second was taken down in the Satwal area of Poonch.
These drone incursions came as skirmishes resumed in the Leepa Valley, disrupting a period of relative peace. No casualties were reported.
Separately, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja stated that recent Indian attempts to breach government websites were successfully thwarted.
In a parallel development, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar clarified in the Senate that Pakistan does not seek conflict but reserves the right to defend itself. He also confirmed that intelligence reports suggested India might escalate the situation.
The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (N-CERT) issued an advisory urging caution in sharing sensitive content related to national security. At the same time, aviation officials dismissed speculation of airspace closures, stating that all major airports remained fully operational.
India’s leadership, meanwhile, continues to project a hardline stance. A senior official revealed that Modi has instructed military commanders to choose their own methods, timing, and targets in response to the Pahalgam attack. Footage released by the Indian government showed Modi in high-level security meetings alongside Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
Modi has vowed to pursue the perpetrators and their supporters “to the ends of the Earth,” intensifying calls within India for a military strike on Pakistan. Analysts warn that such rhetoric could push both countries closer to open conflict.
As the situation worsens, several international actors have urged calm. The U.S. announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would speak with the foreign ministers of both India and Pakistan in an effort to de-escalate tensions. He is also coordinating with global leaders to encourage diplomacy.
Iran has offered to mediate, while Saudi Arabia is reportedly working to prevent further escalation. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reached out to counterparts in China, the UAE, the UK, Türkiye, Hungary, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Azerbaijan to share Pakistan’s perspective.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also expressed concern, urging both sides to show maximum restraint and offering the UN’s support to facilitate de-escalation. During a phone conversation with Guterres, PM Shehbaz urged the UN to counsel India to act responsibly.
The current standoff echoes past crises, such as the Pulwama attack in 2019, where tensions escalated after a suicide bombing killed 40 Indian soldiers. That incident led to air strikes by both nations and brought them to the brink of war.
