Pakistan’s government on Monday warned that an Indian military strike could occur within the next 24 to 36 hours, as tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals reached their most volatile level in years.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Islamabad had received “credible intelligence” of an impending Indian operation, following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 26 people dead. India has blamed the assault on Pakistan-based militants, a claim Islamabad denies.
The warning comes amid a flurry of military and diplomatic escalations. India last week suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty — a longstanding agreement that has survived three wars between the two nations. In response, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian aircraft. A cross-border exchange of fire was also reported along the contested Line of Control in Kashmir.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, facing growing domestic pressure, granted his military “full operational freedom” to respond to the attack in Pahalgam. He has vowed to “track and punish” both the perpetrators and their alleged supporters.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif described the threat of an Indian incursion as “imminent” and said Islamabad was open to an independent international investigation by a neutral commission to determine responsibility for the Pahalgam attack.
“India cannot assume the roles of judge, jury, and executioner,” Tarar added. “If this escalates, the responsibility will lie squarely with New Delhi.”
The escalation has drawn alarm across the international community, raising fears of a broader military confrontation — and potentially a nuclear crisis. Pakistan has not ruled out the use of nuclear weapons if it perceives an existential threat.
Efforts to defuse the crisis are underway. Saudi Arabia and Iran have both offered to mediate. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres spoke separately with leaders of both countries, urging restraint. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to hold emergency talks with the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan.
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