Islamabad: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Monday warned that India could carry out a military strike at any moment along the Line of Control in Kashmir.
Asif’s statement came as tension was running high between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
“There are reports that India may strike at any point along the LoC… New Delhi will be given a befitting reply,” the minister told reporters in Islamabad.
He also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “pushing the region to the brink of nuclear war for political gains”, reiterating allegations that “New Delhi was involved in terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan”.
“We had provided the UN with evidence in 2016 and 2017, including videos of India financing terrorism,” he claimed. He also linked the recent wave of terror in the two provinces to groups operating from Afghanistan, allegedly backed by India.
He said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked for an international probe into the incident.
“Such a probe would expose whether India itself or any internal group was involved, and clarify the truth behind New Delhi’s baseless allegations,” Asif said.
Last week, Information Minister Atta Tarar had said that 24-36 hours were important, fearing a possible strike by India. However, the time passed and there was no action by India.
Meanwhile, Pakistan army chief General Syed Asim Munir Monday reiterated his intention to respond with full force to protect the “national prestige and prosperity of his people”.
Ties between India and Pakistan plummeted following the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
India announced a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the shutdown of the only operational land border crossing at Attari and the downgrading of diplomatic ties following the terror attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is committed to taking “firm and decisive” action against terrorists and their backers.
Modi also told the top defence brass that the armed forces have “complete operational freedom” to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India’s response to the attack.
