Pakistan has claimed that it has "credible information" that India is planning a military action in the next 24-36 hours, with the relations between the two neighbours souring after the Pahalgam terror attack. In an emergency press conference called at 2 am, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also warned of "catastrophic consequences" if the Indian forces initiate an action.
"We have credible intelligence-based information that India is planning a military offensive against Pakistan within the next 24 to 36 hours. Any action by India will be responded to with full force," he said in a video message posted online.
Pakistan will defend its territory at all costs and will respond with its full might, Tarar said, adding, "The nation will defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity by all means necessary. If India tries to impose a war on Pakistan, it will be solely responsible for the disastrous and devastating costs."
Claiming that India has not provided any evidence of Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam massacre, the minister said the Indian forces were planning their attack on the basis of "baseless and concocted allegations". At least 26 civilians were massacred by terrorists in the attack that occurred in Baisaran, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22.
"India's habit of being the judge, jury, and executioner is categorically and strongly rejected by Pakistan", he added.
Tarar's claim comes amid repeated ceasefire violations along the Line of Control by Pakistani troops, trying to provoke the Indian soldiers guarding the military boundary that separates Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Yesterday, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif too had warned of a possible war with India. Mr Asif told local outlet Geo News yesterday, "If something has to happen, it will happen in two or three days."
Tarar's press conference came hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a free hand to the armed forces to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's military response to the Pahalgam attack.
He had earlier warned that India would "identify, track, and punish" the terrorists behind the deadly attack and pursue them to the "ends of the earth".
Tensions across the border mounted after a raft of measures taken by India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam massacre. India downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan, suspended the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, and revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals. The Wagah-Attari border has also been closed.
