Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stark warning of potential “all-out war” with India following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, mostly tourists. In a recent interview with Sky News, Asif emphasized that Pakistan’s military is “prepared for any eventuality” and would respond proportionally to any actions initiated by India. He cautioned that a full-scale conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations would have tragic consequences.

Asif also alleged that the Pahalgam attack was “staged” by India to create a crisis in the region. He accused India of being responsible for various insurgencies within its own borders, including in Kashmir, Nagaland, Chhattisgarh, and Manipur. While he condemned terrorism in all its forms, Asif maintained that the attack was a result of India’s internal issues rather than external factors.

In response to India’s actions following the attack—such as suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing borders, revoking visas, and expelling Pakistani diplomats—Pakistan has retaliated by closing its airspace to Indian aircraft, canceling Indian visas, suspending trade, and warning of severe consequences for any disruption to the Indus Waters Treaty. The situation has drawn international concern, with calls for restraint and dialogue to prevent further conflict between the two nations.

The escalating tensions have revived fears of conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors, with both countries maintaining large armed forces and substantial nuclear arsenals. The United Nations and various countries have expressed their condolences for the victims and urged both India and Pakistan to engage in peaceful negotiations to resolve the crisis.

As the situation develops, the global community remains watchful, hoping for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic engagement between India and Pakistan.