Pakistan Warns of Strong Response If Provoked, Denies Role in Pahalgam Attack Amid Rising Tensions with India
Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, Pakistan has firmly denied any involvement and warned of a strong retaliation if provoked by India.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, flanked by Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry and Foreign Office representative Shafqat Ali Khan, said that Pakistan “condemns terrorism in all its forms” and extended condolences to the victims of the April 22 attack.
Dar called for an “independent and transparent investigation” into the incident by neutral international observers. The conference came shortly after Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar warned that India might initiate military action within the next 24 to 36 hours, while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif acknowledged rising tensions despite global efforts to de-escalate.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier given the armed forces “complete operational freedom” to decide how and when to respond to the attack, further fueling speculation of imminent military retaliation.
While maintaining that Pakistan seeks peace, Dar was clear in his warning: “Pakistan will not be the first to escalate, but any act of aggression will be met with a strong response.” Lt Gen Chaudhry echoed this sentiment, stating firmly, “We are ready — don’t test us.”
Dar also issued a stern reminder about water disputes under the Indus Water Treaty, warning that any move by India to disrupt water flows would be considered an “act of war.”
In response to a question, Dar said decisions regarding the use of nuclear weapons rest solely with Pakistan’s National Command Authority.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
