Islamabad: Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif warned on Monday that a military incursion by India is imminent. His remarks come in the wake of a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, which left at least 26 people dead.
“We have strengthened our forces because this is a real and immediate threat,” Asif said during a press briefing. “Strategic decisions have been made to ensure Pakistan’s sovereignty is protected.”
The Indian government has blamed Pakistan for the Kashmir attack, an accusation Islamabad firmly denies. Pakistan has called for an independent investigation into the incident to avoid escalating tensions further.
Diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have continued to deteriorate sharply. Recent actions include the suspension of visa services, the withdrawal of ambassadors, the freezing of bilateral trade, and increasing calls for the annulment of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty.
Meanwhile, reports of skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC) have surged, raising fears that a localized conflict could spiral into a larger confrontation.
The United Nations and several other international bodies have urged both nations to exercise maximum restraint and prioritize dialogue over military action.
Defense Minister Asif emphasized that while Pakistan desires peace, it is fully prepared to defend itself against any act of aggression. Efforts are ongoing among the international community to de-escalate the situation and bring both sides to the negotiating table before the conflict worsens
