In a significant escalation of tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Minister has claimed that India is planning to launch a military strike against Pakistan within the next 24 to 36 hours. This announcement comes in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives and has sent shockwaves through the region.
Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends carrying out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours on the pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident.
— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) April 29, 2025
Indian self assumed hubristic role of Judge, Jury and… pic.twitter.com/WVW6yhxTJ0
Pakistan’s Claims and Public Statements
According to Pakistan’s I&B Minister, intelligence reports suggest that India has finalized preparations for a military operation targeting locations within Pakistani territory. The minister, speaking at a hastily arranged press conference in Islamabad, alleged that India is using the Pahalgam attack as a pretext for military aggression against Pakistan.
“We have credible intelligence that India is planning to conduct strikes on Pakistani soil within the next day and a half,” the minister stated. “This is a dangerous escalation that threatens regional stability and peace. Pakistan maintains its innocence regarding the Pahalgam incident but stands ready to defend its sovereignty against any aggression.”
India’s Strategic Silence
The Indian government has maintained strategic silence on these claims, neither confirming nor denying plans for a military response. This approach aligns with India’s previous handling of cross-border operations, where operational details were kept confidential until after execution.
Defense analysts note that this silence could be deliberate, as it keeps Pakistan’s military establishment guessing the timing, scale, and targets of any potential strike. Indian military movements along the Line of Control (LoC) and international border have reportedly increased, according to satellite imagery and ground reports.
Military Preparedness on Both Sides
In response to the perceived threat, Pakistan has reportedly placed its armed forces on high alert. Military sources indicate heightened activity at forward bases, with the Pakistan Air Force conducting increased patrol flights near the LoC and international border.
India’s military posture has also shown signs of readiness, with:
- Enhanced deployment along the western border
- Advanced air defense systems activated
- Naval assets repositioned in the Arabian Sea
- Special forces units are placed on standby
International Reactions to Rising Tensions
The international community has responded swiftly to the escalating situation, with several nations calling for restraint and dialogue between the nuclear neighbors.
The United States State Department issued a statement urging both sides to “exercise maximum restraint and pursue diplomatic channels.” A spokesperson added that U.S. officials are in contact with their New Delhi and Islamabad counterparts to help defuse tensions.
China, a key ally of Pakistan, has called the situation “deeply concerning” and offered to mediate between the two countries. Meanwhile, Russia has emphasized the need for bilateral dialogue based on the Shimla Agreement and Lahore Declaration.
Diplomatic Channels Still Active
Despite the heated rhetoric and military preparations, diplomatic channels between the two countries reportedly remain open. According to diplomatic sources, back-channel communications are ongoing through third-party mediators, including several Gulf states that maintain good relations with both India and Pakistan.
The United Nations Secretary-General has called for “immediate de-escalation” and offered UN good offices to facilitate dialogue. Several envoys from influential nations are reportedly shuttling between New Delhi and Islamabad in last-minute efforts to prevent military confrontation.
Market Reactions and Economic Impact
Financial markets in both countries have reacted negatively to the news. The Indian stock exchange saw a significant dip as investors responded to the possibility of military conflict. Similarly, Pakistan’s currency and stock market have shown volatility amid the uncertainty.
The economic implications of a military confrontation could be substantial for both nations, particularly for Pakistan, which is already facing economic challenges. International investors are closely monitoring the situation, with some reports suggesting contingency plans are being prepared for various scenarios.
Strategic Calculations Behind India’s Potential Response
If India does proceed with a military strike as claimed by Pakistan, analysts suggest it would likely follow the pattern established after the Uri and Pulwama attacks:
- Targeted strikes against terrorist infrastructure
- Limited scope to avoid full-scale war
- Focus on precision to minimize collateral damage
- Strong diplomatic groundwork to ensure international support
The difference this time may be in the scale and nature of the response. Given Prime Minister Modi’s granting of “complete freedom” to the armed forces, military strategists suggest the response could be more robust than previous operations.
Pakistan’s Preparedness and Response Options
Pakistan’s military establishment has publicly stated its readiness to respond to any Indian aggression. Analysts point to several factors that could influence Pakistan’s response:
- The need to demonstrate resolve for domestic audiences
- Limited economic capacity to sustain prolonged conflict
- Internal political challenges facing the government
- Desire to internationalize the Kashmir issue
Military experts suggest Pakistan may attempt to counter any Indian strike with a proportional response, potentially targeting Indian military installations near the border.
Conclusion: A Dangerous Moment for South Asia
The coming hours are critical for regional stability as both nations position themselves for potential conflict. The international community continues to advocate for restraint, but the momentum toward military confrontation appears to be building.
The situation represents one of the most dangerous moments in Indo-Pak relations since the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. With both nations possessing nuclear capabilities, the stakes of this confrontation extend far beyond the immediate region, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to long-standing tensions.
We will continue to monitor this developing situation closely and provide updates as new information becomes available.
