2025-05-06T00:08:43Z

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In a significant escalation of rhetoric, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stark warning that India could potentially launch a military strike at any moment along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir. This alarming statement, made on Monday, follows similar assertions made by another Pakistani minister just days earlier and comes amidst heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The situation in the region has become increasingly precarious in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including 25 Indian nationals.

In his remarks to reporters in Islamabad, Asif indicated, “There are reports that India may strike at any point along the LoC. New Delhi will be given a befitting reply.” His comments underline the rising anxiety in Pakistan regarding possible military action by India. Furthermore, he revealed that Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an international investigation into the Pahalgam attack, suggesting that such an inquiry would reveal whether India or any internal factions were responsible for the assault, thereby shedding light on what he termed New Delhi’s “baseless allegations.”

This is not the first time that a Pakistani federal official has warned of an imminent military action by India following the Pahalgam attack. Last week, Pakistan’s Information Minister Atta Tarar had expressed similar concerns, suggesting that the next 24 to 36 hours were crucial, as he anticipated a potential strike by India. However, despite the tense atmosphere, that critical timeframe elapsed without any response from New Delhi.

In tandem with these developments, General Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of the Pakistan Army, reinforced Pakistan's commitment to respond with full force if necessary. He emphasized his duty to protect the “national prestige and prosperity” of the Pakistani people, indicating a strong military posture amidst the ongoing crisis.

The relationship between India and Pakistan has significantly deteriorated, particularly following the catastrophic Pahalgam attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of numerous tourists. The day after the attack, India swiftly announced a series of punitive measures against Pakistan, which included the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the shutdown of the only operational land crossing at Attari, and a downgrading of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly stated that India is determined to take “firm and decisive” action against terrorists and their supporters. In a meeting with top military officials, Modi assured that the armed forces have “complete operational freedom” to determine the method, targets, and timing of India’s response to the Pahalgam attack. This declaration signals a potentially significant shift in India’s military strategy as tensions continue to mount in the region.