In a Wednesday mid-night emergency press conference, Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting for Pakistan, signaled an imminent attack by India's military in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
He announced that reliable intelligence was available which suggests that India is likely to order a military campaign against Pakistan between the next 24 to 36 hours.
Tarar unequivocally denounced any such move, vowing that Pakistan would retaliate with all its might to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. "We will defend our territory at all costs," he asserted, making it clear that if India launched hostilities, it would be solely responsible for the disastrous fallout.
He also condemned India for failing to present any proof of Pakistan's role in the Pahalgam attack despite persistent demands for cooperation in a neutral probe. Tarar accused India of not presenting any evidence, while Pakistan, in his view, had authentic proof of India's involvement in cross-border terrorism. He urged the global community to pay attention to what he termed India's "planned aggression" against Pakistan.
The announcement came as tensions mounted, with troops reportedly massing on both sides of the border in large numbers. Pakistan has shut down its airspace for Indian airlines, and India has suspended the pivotal Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). These actions, coupled with the increased rhetoric on both sides, have fueled concerns of military action escalating.
This warning comes on the heels of a similar statement by Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, who also indicated that Indian military action appeared imminent. But Asif also promised that Pakistan would only use nuclear weapons if there was an immediate existential threat to the country.
The tension continues, with both countries on high alert and diplomatic efforts finding it difficult to diffuse the growing crisis.
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