Pakistan’s Information Minister claims credible intelligence indicates India intends military action over Kashmir, while both nations face escalating tensions after the Pahalgam attack

Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, revealed on Wednesday that “credible intelligence” suggests India is preparing for military action against Pakistan within the next 24 to 36 hours, following heightened tensions over the Pahalgam attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir. New Delhi blamed Islamabad for the attack, which left 26 people dead, without providing evidence to support the allegations.

Tarar condemned India’s aggressive stance, calling the accusations “baseless” and “concocted,” adding that Pakistan rejected India’s self-appointed role as judge, jury, and executioner. He stressed that Pakistan, having been a victim of terrorism itself, understood the devastating consequences of such acts. “We have always condemned terrorism in all its forms,” Tarar said, urging India to pursue an independent and transparent investigation into the incident rather than resorting to military action.

The tensions are further aggravated by India’s military strategy. Following the attack, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi granted his military full “operational freedom” to determine how, when, and where to retaliate. A senior government official indicated that the military would decide the timing of the response, which has led to fears of further escalation.

Meanwhile, military exchanges have already intensified along the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border dividing Kashmir. The two countries have been trading gunfire for several days, with each blaming the other for provocations. Pakistan’s army has reported shooting down an Indian drone, while India claimed that Pakistan initiated small arms fire across the LoC, with both sides accusing each other of escalating the violence.

In response to the growing threat, Pakistan has promised a “decisive” response to any military action from India. Tarar emphasised that Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would be defended at all costs, warning the international community that any escalation would be India’s responsibility.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on the United Nations to intervene, urging Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to advise India to exercise restraint. Guterres expressed concern over the rising tensions and offered his mediation services. In a call with Sharif, Guterres reiterated the need to avoid a confrontation that could have disastrous consequences for the region.

Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s position, rejecting Indian accusations and calling for a neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident. He also highlighted India’s attempts to undermine the Kashmiri freedom movement by falsely associating it with terrorism. The prime minister further condemned India’s actions regarding water rights in the Indus Basin, which have been a source of friction between the two nations for years.

The simmering conflict is exacerbated by the long-standing Kashmir dispute, which remains a core issue for both nations since their partition in 1947. India and Pakistan both claim the region in full, and over the years, the disputed area has seen numerous deadly clashes and military operations.

In recent days, India has ramped up its rhetoric, with Prime Minister Modi vowing to pursue those responsible for the attack. “We will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backer,” Modi said, asserting that India would stop at nothing to exact justice. However, such declarations have only heightened fears of an imminent military confrontation.

The international community, including China, has expressed concern over the escalating tensions, with many urging both sides to engage in dialogue rather than military action. The situation remains volatile, and global leaders are watching closely, hoping for a diplomatic resolution before the region is pushed into another devastating conflict.