Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has stated that Pakistan possesses credible intelligence reports concerning potential military action by India within the next 24 to 36 hours.
“Pakistan has credible intelligence indicating India’s intention to undertake military action against Pakistan in the upcoming 24-36 hours, citing baseless and fabricated allegations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident,” Tarar conveyed in a video statement released late Tuesday.
Cautioning that such an action would entail “catastrophic consequences for the entire region and beyond,” the minister reiterated Pakistan’s position and vehemently rejected India’s “self-assumed hubristic role of judge, jury, and executioner in the region,” which he described as utterly “reckless.”
This warning emerges during a period of heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors following the Pahalgam attack in the disputed territory.
Relations between Islamabad and New Delhi have significantly deteriorated in recent days after the latter’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, coupled with substantial diplomatic measures.
In response, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines and implemented other countermeasures.
India has accused Pakistan of orchestrating the attack, a claim vehemently denied by Islamabad, which also labeled it a “false flag operation.” Pakistan has further offered a credible, transparent, and independent investigation by a neutral commission of experts to ascertain the truth.
Meanwhile, security sources reported on Wednesday that four Rafale fighter jets belonging to the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted patrols in IIOJK last night but were subsequently compelled to retreat due to timely identification and action by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
“On the night of April 29/30, four Indian Rafale jets carried out patrolling within Indian geographical boundaries,” the sources noted.
They further asserted that Pakistani forces are prepared to deliver a befitting response to any Indian aggression.
Amidst the possibility of a skirmish or conflict between the two nations, the United States has engaged diplomatically, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio planning to communicate with the foreign ministers of both countries to urge de-escalation and promote calm.
“We are reaching out to both parties, and telling, of course, them to not escalate the situation,” US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce informed reporters during a press briefing.
Elaborating on Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, the information minister stated: “Pakistan has itself been a victim of terrorism and genuinely understands the pain of this scourge.”
“We have consistently condemned it in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of where it occurs globally,” Tarar added.
As a responsible state, he affirmed that Pakistan has openly offered a credible, transparent, and independent investigation by a neutral commission of experts to establish the truth.
“Regrettably, instead of pursuing the path of reason, India has seemingly chosen to embark on a perilous path of irrationality and confrontation, which will have devastating repercussions for the entire region and beyond,” the minister emphasized.
He asserted that “the avoidance of credible investigations is in itself sufficient evidence exposing India’s true intentions.”
“Consciously making strategic decisions hostage to public sentiments, deliberately inflamed for the sake of political objectives, is unfortunate and deplorable,” the minister further stated.
He reiterated Pakistan’s stance that any such military adventurism by India would be met with a certain and decisive response.
“The international community must remain cognizant of the reality that the responsibility for any escalatory spiral and its ensuing consequences will squarely rest with India,” Tarar stressed.
He reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering commitment to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan at all costs.
