Pakistan Warns of Imminent Indian Military Strike Within 36 Hours

Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan After Deadly Kashmir Attack

Islamabad/New Delhi – April 30, 2025:
In a serious escalation between two nuclear-armed neighbors, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information, Attaullah Tarar, announced on Monday that Indian armed forces may launch a military strike against Pakistan within the next 24 to 36 hours. The warning comes in the wake of a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 26 Hindu tourists dead and over a dozen injured.

The incident has sparked outrage across India, which blames Pakistan-based militants for orchestrating the massacre. While Islamabad has denied any involvement, the situation has prompted fears of a direct military confrontation reminiscent of past conflicts between the two countries.

What Triggered the Crisis?

The current wave of tension stems from a brutal militant attack in the scenic Pahalgam region of Kashmir, a hotspot for both tourism and insurgency. Unidentified gunmen opened fire on a group of Hindu pilgrims, resulting in one of the deadliest attacks in the region in years.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident a “cowardly act of terrorism” and vowed a strong response. Indian security forces launched a massive manhunt in the region while suspending operations at over 48 tourist resorts in an effort to secure the area.

India has squarely blamed Pakistan for the attack, citing evidence that the militants had ties to Pakistan-based terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba. In response, Pakistan’s government has denied any connection and accused India of “fabricating accusations” to justify aggressive military action.

Pakistan’s Warning and International Alarm

In a high-profile press conference, Minister Attaullah Tarar said:

“We have received credible intelligence from multiple sources that India is planning a limited military strike across the Line of Control. This could occur within the next 24 to 36 hours. We urge the international community to intervene immediately to prevent a regional crisis.”

This stark warning sent shockwaves across diplomatic circles. Pakistan has begun preparing for potential retaliation by increasing troop presence along the border and placing air defense systems on high alert.

International organizations and world powers including the United Nations, United States, and European Union have urged both nations to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could lead to war.

India’s Response: “Prepared for Any Situation”

India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh responded firmly, stating that while India does not seek war, it reserves the right to defend its citizens and territory.

“We are prepared for any situation. No act of terrorism will go unpunished. We have not forgotten Pulwama, and we will not forget Pahalgam either,” he said in reference to the 2019 suicide bombing that killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel.

India has also suspended several diplomatic engagements with Pakistan and revoked water-sharing arrangements under the Indus Waters Treaty, a key treaty brokered by the World Bank in 1960.

History Repeating? Lessons from Pulwama and Balakot

This crisis bears a striking resemblance to the events of 2019, when the Pulwama attack led to India conducting airstrikes on a militant training camp in Balakot, Pakistan. That episode nearly led to a full-scale war before international mediation helped de-escalate the situation.

Analysts worry that a similar situation may now be unfolding—only this time, tensions could spiral further due to upcoming elections in both countries, political pressure, and increased military posturing.

Global Reactions and the Role of Diplomacy

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement urging “maximum restraint” and offered to mediate between the two nations.

The U.S. Department of State has also released a travel advisory warning its citizens against travel to the region, citing a “high risk of conflict and instability.”

China, a close ally of Pakistan and a major regional power, has called for de-escalation through dialogue. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated:

“Peace and stability in South Asia is in the interest of all. We urge both India and Pakistan to engage in diplomatic efforts.”

What This Means for Regional Security

A potential military strike between India and Pakistan—two nations with nuclear capabilities—poses a serious risk not only to South Asia but to global stability. Any miscalculation or misunderstanding could trigger a chain reaction with devastating consequences.

Security analysts note that both countries possess nuclear doctrines based on “credible minimum deterrence,” but a shift in posture or aggressive rhetoric could easily mislead decision-makers into war.

India’s increased security operations in Kashmir, along with Pakistan’s call for international intervention, underscore the fragility of peace in the region.

Economic Fallout Already Underway

As tensions rose, both the Indian Rupee and Pakistani Rupee experienced depreciation in early morning trading on April 30. Stock markets in Mumbai and Karachi dipped amid fears of war, and energy prices in the region showed volatility.

Experts warn that if the situation escalates further, both economies—already under pressure from inflation and global instability—could face severe consequences.

Civilian Voices and the Human Cost

While governments trade warnings and mobilize troops, ordinary citizens are the ones who suffer most. In Kashmir, families are staying indoors, schools are shut, and mobile internet services have been curtailed. Local residents say they are living in fear of both militant attacks and military operations.

A resident of Anantnag district told local media:

“We have seen war, and we don’t want it again. Every time something happens, it is we who pay the price.”

What Happens Next?

As the world watches closely, there are three possible outcomes in the next 36 hours:

1. Diplomatic Intervention – International mediation could convince both parties to step back and open dialogue.
2. Limited Military Strike – India may launch a targeted strike against what it claims are terrorist camps in Pakistan, prompting a response.
3. Full-Scale Conflict – Escalation could lead to airstrikes, artillery exchanges, and potentially, war.

The next 24–36 hours are critical. The region hangs in the balance, and the actions of leaders on both sides could decide the fate of millions.