ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Atta Tarar issued a stern warning on Wednesday, stating that any military action initiated by India would be met with a “befitting reply”.
His comment come amid escalating tensions following the Pahalgam attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir, where gunmen killed 26 tourists on April 22.
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Atta Tarar stated that Pakistan possesses authentic intelligence indicating that India intends to take military action against Pakistan within the next 24 to 36 hours. He stated India accused Pakistan based on “baseless and self-made allegations” related to the Pahalgam attack.
“India will be responsible for the losses caused by the war”, he declared, stating that the international community must recognise that the responsibility for any disastrous consequences would lie solely with India.
The Information Minister reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing position as a victim of terrorism. “Pakistan has been a victim of terrorism for two decades”. He condemned terrorism in all its forms and highlighted Pakistan’s offer for an independent and impartial investigation into the Pahalgam attack.
Tarar said that India rejected the offer in favour of a confrontational approach. “Unfortunately, India chose to follow the path of irrationality and confrontation, which will lead to disastrous consequences in the region and the world”, he warned.
The backdrop to the current crisis includes India’s recent suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, a critical agreement governing water-sharing rights between the two nuclear-armed states.
Following the Pahalgam attack, India accused Pakistan of involvement without any proof, leading to a diplomatic crisis.
India expelled Pakistani diplomats and closed its borders. In retaliation, Pakistan suspended the Simla Agreement, restricted trade, and closed its airspace to Indian flights.
Earlier on Tuesday, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also issued a stark warning regarding the escalating situation. He stated that the next two to four days were critical for national security.
Asif said that any violation of Pakistan’s land, air or sea borders would be met with a forceful response. “We have taken the steps that should have been taken. If they try to impose war, we will respond forcefully”.
The Defence Minister noted that several states, including China, Saudia Arabia and the Gulf nations were ‘actively’ working to avert a looming threat.
Recently, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also chimed in, urging the two nations to reduce tensions. He stated he would be “reaching out to both parties”. The US Secretary of State expects to meet the foreign minister of India and Pakistan in coming days.
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Even the United Nations weighed in, with the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing “deep concern”. Earlier today, PM Shehbaz and Guterres held a telephonic call where for former warned of Pakistan’s right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity with “full force”.