Monitoring Desk
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar early Wednesday issued a grave warning, revealing that credible intelligence reports indicate India is planning military action against Pakistan within the next 24 to 36 hours.
The development comes in the wake of heightened tensions following the deadly attack in Pahalgam, occupied Kashmir, which New Delhi has blamed on Islamabad — an accusation Pakistan strongly denies.
Addressing a press conference, Tarar stated, “Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends carrying out military action against Pakistan in the next 24–36 hours on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident.”
He sharply criticized India’s posture, saying Pakistan rejected “Indian self-assumed hubristic role of judge, jury, and executioner in the region,” warning that any such military adventurism would be met with a “decisive and assured response.”
Tarar emphasized that Pakistan, as a responsible state, had proposed a credible, transparent, and independent investigation through a neutral international commission — an offer that India has so far ignored. He accused New Delhi of making strategic decisions hostage to public sentiment for political gain, terming India’s actions “reckless” and “dangerous” for regional peace.
He called on the international community to take note, asserting that “the onus of any escalatory spiral and its consequences will squarely lie with India.”
The warning followed India’s move to grant its military “operational freedom” to respond to the Pahalgam incident. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a closed-door meeting with military and security chiefs, authorized armed forces to determine the timing, mode, and targets of any potential action. The government later released footage showing Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in discussions with military leaders.
Meanwhile, the LoC remains volatile, with both countries trading fire for five consecutive nights. Pakistan reportedly shot down an Indian drone violating its airspace, though details remain sparse.
In parallel diplomatic efforts, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, urging him to counsel India to exercise restraint. During the conversation, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to counterterrorism and called for a transparent investigation into the Pahalgam attack, while firmly rejecting Indian accusations.
Sharif also raised serious concerns about India’s alleged attempts to weaponize the Indus Waters, describing water as the “lifeline” for 240 million Pakistanis. He stressed that the unresolved Kashmir dispute remains the root cause of instability in South Asia and urged the UN to play a role in its just resolution in accordance with Security Council resolutions.
The UN chief expressed deep concern over the rising tensions and offered his good offices to support de-escalation efforts, warning that the world could not afford escalation between two nuclear-armed states at this critical juncture.
Relations between Pakistan and India have sharply deteriorated following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people. Islamabad has vehemently rejected Indian allegations of involvement and warned against any unilateral military moves reminiscent of the 2019 Pulwama-Balakot escalation.
Several international players, including China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, have called for restraint, underscoring the risks of further confrontation.
The situation remains tense as Islamabad and New Delhi exchange diplomatic barbs, fire across the Line of Control, and brace for potential military escalation amid fears of a broader regional crisis.
