Pakistan Warns of Imminent Indian Military Strike Amid Rising Tensions

Pakistan's Information Minister cautioned that intelligence suggests India is preparing for a military strike within 36 hours, amidst rising tensions after a terrorist attack in Kashmir. Pakistan rebuffs accusations of involvement, warning that any military aggression would be met with a strong response.

Pakistan's Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, has made alarming claims regarding a rapid escalation in hostilities with India, asserting that Islamabad possesses "credible intelligence" indicating that New Delhi is planning a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours. This statement comes in the wake of India accusing Pakistan of harboring militants responsible for a tragic attack last week in Indian-administered Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 tourists.

Tarar expressed concerns that India might use the recent assault as a "false pretext" for military action, emphasizing, "any such military adventurism by India would be responded to assuredly and decisively." The BBC has reached out to the Indian foreign ministry for a response but received no comment at this time.

The deadly attack in the tourist town of Pahalgam was characterized as the most devastating incident targeting civilians in the region over the past two decades. Both nations lay claim to Kashmir, leading to two wars, and recent months have seen increasing tensions, including intermittent cross-border small-arms fire between military personnel.

Speculation regarding a potential Indian military response has intensified, reminiscent of similar actions taken following militant attacks in 2019 and 2016. Local authorities have intensified their operations within Indian-administered Kashmir, detaining over 1,500 individuals for questioning as part of their investigation. Reports indicate that the homes of several alleged militants have been demolished amid the crackdown.

The conflict over Kashmir has been a longstanding issue between India and Pakistan since their partition in 1947, with ongoing armed insurgency against Indian rule since 1989. Details surrounding the recent attack in Pahalgam remain murky. A group initially believed to be responsible, the Resistance Front, has since denied involvement, though it is reportedly linked to the Pakistan-based militant organization Lashkar-e-Taiba.

In the aftermath of the attack, Indian authorities have identified three of four suspected attackers, identifying two Pakistani nationals and one local from Kashmir, while the fourth assailant's identity remains unknown. Survivors reported that the gunmen specifically targeted Hindu men during the assault, escalating tensions further within India.

With public outrage on the rise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared a commitment to pursuing the perpetrators "to the ends of the earth," pledging that those involved would face severe consequences for their actions.