Pakistan claims India may launch war within 36 hours amid escalating tensions
Tensions between India and Pakistan intensified after Pakistans Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed the country has credible intelligence suggesting India plans to carry out a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours. The late Tuesday night announcement on social media did not include evidence to support the claim. The development follows the killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 23, an attack that sparked outrage across India. New Delhi has accused Islamabad of involvement, an allegation Pakistan denies, instead offering a neutral investigation. The region of Kashmir remains a volatile flashpoint, claimed in full by both countries but split by the Line of Control. India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed, have fought three wars over the territory since gaining independence nearly 80 years ago. In 2019, India conducted airstrikes inside Pakistan following an insurgent attack in Kashmirthe first such action since the 1971 war. Fears of a similar response are growing following last weeks massacre. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under pressure to respond, vowed to pursue the attackers to the ends of the earth. 
Pakistan warned that any Indian military move would be responded to assuredly and decisively. Global powers have urged restraint. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to speak with leaders from both nations, with the State Department emphasising the importance of de-escalation. China, which also claims part of Kashmir and maintains strong ties with Pakistan, echoed similar sentiments. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that conflict between India and Pakistan would threaten regional stability. In the aftermath of the attack, both nations have taken tit-for-tat actions. India canceled visas for Pakistani nationals, prompting a reciprocal response. Both sides have also asked diplomats and citizens to return home before April 30. India suspended participation in the Indus Water Treaty, a longstanding agreement since 1960 that governs water sharing from the Indus River systema crucial source of livelihood for millions in both countries. Pakistan has warned that any attempt to block or divert its share of the water would be considered an act of war. Military posturing has increased on both sides. Pakistan claimed it shot down an Indian drone conducting espionage in the disputed region. Indias navy, meanwhile, announced it conducted long-range precision missile tests to demonstrate operational readiness. Gunfire has been exchanged along the Line of Control for six consecutive nights, heightening fears that both countries may be edging toward open conflict.
