Pakistan Warns of Decisive Response to Potential Indian Military Strikes

Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar warned Wednesday that the country has "credible intelligence" suggesting India plans to launch military strikes within the next 24-36 hours, vowing a decisive response if such action is taken.

The warning comes amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors following a deadly terrorist attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir last week, which killed 26 people. India has accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, while Pakistan has denied any connection to the attack and called for a neutral investigation.

The attack, claimed by a previously unknown militant group called the Kashmir Resistance, has sparked a diplomatic crisis between the two nations, with both countries recalling diplomats and canceling visas. India has also suspended a crucial water-sharing treaty with Pakistan and ordered its border shut.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed retribution for the attack, and experts believe India may carry out a strike to signal a strong posture to domestic audiences. Tensions between the two nations have ramped up since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, with experts warning that the lack of US presence may embolden both sides to take more aggressive action.

Srinath Raghavan, a professor of international relations and history at Ashoka University in India, noted that India's military actions are typically decided by its elected government, but the military has operational autonomy to decide on targets and tactics. "This means that there is no restraint on them," Raghavan said, adding that the military will likely make a presentation to Modi before receiving a go-ahead for any operation.

The situation remains volatile, with both sides exchanging gunfire along the Line of Control that divides Kashmir. President Donald Trump has commented on the tensions, saying that India and Pakistan will “figure it out one way or the other.”