Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif warned Monday that a military incursion by India could happen soon following a deadly militant attack in Kashmir that killed 26 tourists. The attack has sparked outrage in Hindu-majority India, which accuses Muslim-majority Pakistan of supporting militants in the disputed region.
Asif told Reuters that Pakistan had reinforced its forces and strategic decisions were made based on military briefings indicating an imminent threat. He did not provide detailed evidence. India's foreign and defense ministries have not commented. India has blamed Pakistani-linked militants for the Kashmir attack, while Islamabad denies involvement and demands a neutral investigation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to punish the perpetrators.
Asif emphasized that Pakistan remains on high alert and would only use nuclear weapons if its existence is directly threatened. Pakistan has engaged allies, including Gulf states and China, and briefed the U.S. and Britain. China urged restraint while the U.S. called for a responsible solution, maintaining contact with both sides.
Following the attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a vital river-sharing agreement, which Pakistan condemned as an “act of war.” Islamabad has urged international guarantors and the World Bank to uphold the treaty. Tensions remain high, with Pakistan closing its airspace to Indian airlines and India accusing Pakistan of supporting past militant activities, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Pakistan continues to deny all allegations.