ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Monday that an Indian military incursion was imminent following the attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), as tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours rose. Speaking to Reuters, Asif stated that Pakistan had reinforced its defences and made strategic decisions in preparation.
Asif noted that India’s rhetoric was escalating and that Pakistan’s military had warned the government about the risk of an Indian attack. He did not elaborate further on why he believed an incursion was imminent.
The defence minister emphasized that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons would only be used if there was a direct threat to the country’s existence. He later clarified on a private news channel that his remarks about possible conflict should not be interpreted as a definitive prediction of war in the next few days.
Asif explained that if hostilities were to occur, it would likely happen within two to four days, otherwise tensions could ease. He stressed that all three armed forces were fully prepared to defend the country.
Speaking about India’s actions after the attack, Asif warned that Pakistan would approach the World Bank if India violated the Indus Waters Treaty. He added that India could not unilaterally divert river waters without breaching international agreements.
Accusing India of sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan, Asif alleged that India supported the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He urged India to allow an international investigation into the Pahalgam attack if it was confident in its allegations.
Asif said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s domestic political weakness was pushing him towards aggressive tactics. He added that the trap set by Modi had ultimately backfired.
The April 22 attack killed 26 people, mostly tourists, and was one of the deadliest assaults in the region since 2000. The group initially claiming responsibility, Kashmir Resistance, later denied any involvement.
India, without providing evidence, accused Pakistan of cross-border involvement, a claim Islamabad has rejected, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling for an impartial international inquiry. Asif earlier said Pakistan was ready to cooperate in a probe but warned of an “all-out war” in case of Indian misadventure.
Reports indicated exchanges of gunfire along the Line of Control (LoC) after the Pahalgam attack, though Islamabad has not confirmed these incidents. India has also increased its military activities, conducting several defence drills.
Calls for military action against Pakistan have intensified within India following the attack. Meanwhile, China and the United Nations have both urged India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint and resolve their differences peacefully.
