- Pakistan has warned of an imminent Indian military strike within 24–36 hours, citing credible intelligence linked to the Pahalgam incident.
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly authorized military planning, while Pakistan’s armed forces remain on full alert.
- Diplomatic ties have deteriorated rapidly, with treaties suspended and cross-border firing escalating along the Line of Control.
- The U.S., China, and Iran have stepped in—urging restraint and offering mediation—as global capitals monitor the rising threat of nuclear conflict.
ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI — The specter of war looms over South Asia once again, as Pakistan and India—two nuclear-armed rivals—careen toward a dangerous confrontation in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack that killed several local tourists in Indian-occoupied Kashmir.
With treaties suspended, diplomats expelled, and military exchanges intensifying along the Line of Control (LoC), Islamabad late Monday night issued its gravest warning yet: India may launch a military strike within 24 to 36 hours.
Pakistan’s government, in an emergency press briefing shortly before midnight, said it had received “credible intelligence” suggesting India was planning “military action on concocted pretexts”—a claim that has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles from Washington to Moscow.
“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,” read the official statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The warning comes days after a deadly ambush on Indian paramilitary personnel in the Pahalgam region of Indian-occoupied Kashmir. India quickly blamed Pakistan-based elements for the attack, an accusation Islamabad categorically rejected. However, Pakistan offered its help to investigate the attack. A few days later, Pakistan also urged the International community to independently investigate the attack. India is yet to give response to Pakistan’s offer.
With tensions already running high, this latest tit-for-tat escalation has drawn international concern and warnings of a broader catastrophe.
Pakistan’s Forces on High Alert
Officials in Islamabad say the country’s armed forces are on full operational alert and prepared to defend national sovereignty. “All three branches of the military are on standby,” said a senior defense source speaking on condition of anonymity. “We will respond to any aggression, decisively and without hesitation.”
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Meanwhile, across the border, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday convened back-to-back security huddles with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, fueling speculation that India is preparing for a calibrated response—or possibly more.
Indian media reports suggest Modi has “authorized Indian forces to plan and execute a strike at a time and place of their choosing”, a phrase ominously reminiscent of India’s messaging prior to the Balakot airstrikes in 2019 which Pakistan had responded with full force. Both sides now, also, appear braced for the possibility of full-blown conflict.
Diplomatic Fallout Escalates
Amid this volatile buildup, Pakistan and India have suspended bilateral diplomatic treaties related to trade and information exchange. Several diplomats from both sides were expelled over the weekend, and cross-border firing has intensified across multiple sectors of the LoC.
Civilians on both sides of the frontier have been evacuated in anticipation of further escalation. Sources said it was all started by India when it comes to initiate expulsion of diplomats, suspention of treaties and trading fire across Line of Control.
“India’s self-assumed hubristic role of Judge, Jury and Executioner in the region is reckless and vehemently rejected,” Pakistan’s statement read.
“Pakistan reiterates that any such military adventurism by India would be responded to assuredly and decisively.”
A Nuclear Flashpoint Reignited
Analysts warn the region is teetering on the edge of a precipice. The presence of nuclear weapons in both countries’ arsenals raises the stakes of any military miscalculation exponentially.
Pakistan minister warns of possible Indian military strike in 24-36 hours
Off-the-record conversations with diplomats and experts on South Asia’s matter have revealed that Pakistan and India have dangrously come close to a full fledge war.
“There is no such thing as a limited war between nuclear neighbors. One act of adventurism could spiral out of control before the world has time to react,” they said.
With over 1.5 billion people living in the subcontinent, a war—even a conventional one—would devastate the region. A nuclear conflict, however, would be globally catastrophic.
World Powers Urge Restraint
The United States and China, both of whom maintain strong but complex relations with New Delhi and Islamabad, have stepped in diplomatically. A joint statement from the U.S. State Department and China’s Foreign Ministry urged both sides to “exercise maximum restraint and return to dialogue.”
“The risk of miscalculation is simply too high,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters in Brussels. “We are in direct contact with both governments and strongly discourage any military adventurism.”
Beijing, often seen as a balancing force in the region, reiterated its support for “regional peace and stability” and welcomed “all efforts at de-escalation.”
Iran Steps Forward to Mediate
In a surprise development, Iran has offered to mediate between the two hostile neighbors. Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Tehran is ready to host talks between Indian and Pakistani representatives in a “neutral and fraternal environment.”
Though the offer has not yet been formally accepted, it reflects growing concerns among regional actors about the fallout of another war in South Asia, especially one involving nuclear-capable states.
World on Edge
The world is watching with growing unease. In capitals from Washington and Brussels to Moscow and Beijing, analysts, policymakers, and ordinary citizens are glued to developments in South Asia.
Public protests have been reported in parts of Europe, urging both countries to avoid war. In Washington D.C., crowds gathered outside the Indian and Pakistani embassies calling for peace.
“Our children will suffer if they go to war,” said Faiza Rahman, a Pakistani-American attending a vigil outside the White House. “We urge President Trump to intervene.”
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Global markets have also begun to react. Oil prices ticked up slightly Monday on fears of instability in the Persian Gulf region, while South Asian stock markets showed signs of distress.
Pakistan’s statement closed with a stark warning to the global community:
“The international community must remain alive to the reality that the onus of escalatory spiral and its ensuing consequences shall squarely lie with India.”
Islamabad maintains it is open to third-party investigations into the Pahalgam attack by a “neutral commission of experts”, but warns that India’s refusal to cooperate reveals its “real motives.”
“Unfortunately, rather than pursuing the path of reason, India has apparently decided to tread the dangerous path of irrationality and confrontation,” the statement said.
“The nation reiterates its resolve to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan at all cost.”
Whether the next 24 to 36 hours bring diplomacy or destruction may depend not only on Delhi and Islamabad—but on the world’s ability to prevent another war between nuclear rivals.