A new round of tension has swept across South Asia after a threat by Pakistan’s Information Minister that a Pakistani attack against India could be made within the next 24 to 36 hours. His comments, made during a press conference in Islamabad, have sounded alarm bells among diplomatic and defense communities.
The government, in a press conference, declared it has credible intelligence indications that India might be planning “a limited but dangerous strike” on Pakistani territory. This would be an attempt by New Delhi to distract people from its growing internal problems, particularly after the recent attack in Kashmir.
The attack in question occurred in Pahalgam, where dozens lost their lives. India immediately blamed Pakistan-based groups, although no solid evidence was made public. Pakistan refuted the claims and called for an independent probe.
Following this, troop deployment along the Line of Control has increased. Intelligence sources based in Islamabad report that Indian troops are being deployed in certain areas and Pakistani troops have been put on alert. Reports also mention possible closure of airspace and changing of flight routes over sensitive regions.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif said the nation desires peace but is prepared to react. “We are not seeking a conflict,” he said on television last night. “But if instigated, Pakistan will defend itself to the hilt and instantly.”
This is not the first time that both countries have come to the edge of war. Earlier crises — like Balakot in 2019 or Kargil in 1999 — started like this, usually with cross-border attacks or warning from intelligence. But the stakes are higher today. Both possess nuclear weapons, and a miscalculation can have devastating consequences.
Though India has not replied officially to the Pakistani accusations, its media has been giving out warnings about retaliations ever since the Pahalgam attack. Analysts opine that India can resort to a symbolic attack — not to declare war, but to express its discontent. However, even symbolic attacks have a propensity to spin out of control.
The world is watching too. The U.S. State Department issued a short press statement urging restraint by both countries. China and the UAE are being said to be speaking secretly through diplomatic channels.
Emotions run high on Twitter. Both countries’ nationalist hashtags are trending on social media. Experts warn that such activity on social media is likely to build popular pressure on the government to react belligerently, even though the military command could be more prudent.
Islamabad is watching for the moment, at least for now. There are security talks at high levels, and defense plans are under consideration.
What will follow will depend on the choices that are made in New Delhi — and on whether reason can prevail over revenge
