Pakistan has claimed it possesses “credible intelligence” indicating that India is planning imminent military action, as tensions rise between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The warning follows a deadly April 22 attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, where gunmen reportedly singled out Hindu men by name before shooting them at close range in the Pahalgam region. According to officials and survivors, 26 people were killed.
India has identified the attackers as three militants, including two Pakistani nationals, and described them as terrorists participating in a violent insurgency in Muslim-majority Kashmir. Pakistan, however, has denied involvement and called for an impartial investigation.
Since the incident, both countries have taken retaliatory steps: India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical water-sharing agreement, while Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines.
On Wednesday, Islamabad stated it had received credible intelligence suggesting India intends to launch a strike within 24 to 36 hours, accusing New Delhi of planning an attack based on “baseless and fabricated” claims regarding the Pahalgam killings.
India’s foreign and defense ministries have not responded to these allegations.
In an official statement, Pakistan reiterated its opposition to terrorism and warned that it would respond “decisively and effectively” to any Indian military action.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to pursue those responsible for the attack. A meeting of India’s Cabinet Committee on Security — which includes Mr. Modi and key ministers — was scheduled for later in the day, marking the second such meeting since the Pahalgam incident. Another government source stated that Mr. Modi has given his military leadership full authority to determine an appropriate response.
Tensions have also escalated along the Line of Control, with Indian officials reporting retaliatory fire after “unprovoked” gunfire from multiple Pakistani posts early Tuesday morning — the sixth ceasefire violation in recent days. No casualties were reported, and Pakistan’s military has not commented.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged both countries to prevent further confrontation that could lead to serious consequences. The United States has also appealed for restraint, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected to contact officials from both nations.
Meanwhile, the UK has called for calm within its Indian and Pakistani communities and advised against travel to the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region, with limited exceptions.
India accuses Pakistan of sponsoring and financing militancy in Kashmir, a region both countries claim but only partially control. Islamabad denies these accusations, saying it provides only political and moral support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
