Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated following the recent attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Since the incident, there have been at least five reported exchanges of gunfire between forces on both sides of the border. The Indian military has arrested hundreds of people during widespread search operations. Amid this volatile situation, concerns are growing that a war may be imminent. Reports indicate that India is preparing for possible military action against Pakistan and has begun diplomatic outreach to several global leaders.
Amid this rising tension, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has made a striking statement, urging citizens to be mentally prepared for what could unfold in the coming days.
According to a report by Dawn on Tuesday (April 29), the defence minister said that the next two to three days will be crucial in determining whether the two nations will actually enter into conflict. He emphasised the importance of readiness, saying, "If something is going to happen—or begin—it will happen within the next two or three days. And if it doesn't, it means we're narrowly avoiding a major crisis."
Speaking to Samaa TV, Asif added that there is a growing threat of war in the region, and the likelihood of military conflict starting within the next few days is very real. "Everyone must be mentally prepared," he stressed.
He also mentioned that Pakistan is on high alert and would only consider the use of its nuclear arsenal if there is a direct threat to the country's existence.
Following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, India has taken a series of aggressive steps, blaming Pakistan for the assault. It has closed the Attari border, cancelled all types of visas for Pakistani nationals, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty.
In response, Pakistan has implemented similar countermeasures. In reaction to the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan announced the suspension of the Simla Agreement. Additionally, Islamabad has banned Indian aircraft from its airspace and declared a complete halt to all trade with India.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has labelled India's move to suspend the water treaty as a "declaration of war," asserting that Pakistan will protect its water rights at any cost.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, responding to the Pahalgam attack, stated that "every Indian's blood is boiling" and vowed that those responsible would face the harshest punishment.
Diplomatic experts note that India has yet to provide solid proof of Pakistan's involvement in the Kashmir attack. Without such evidence, any military action taken by Delhi may lack legitimacy on the international stage. Still, if tensions continue to rise, managing a potential military clash between two nuclear-armed nations could become increasingly difficult.
Efforts for de-escalation are underway. Iran and Saudi Arabia have initiated dialogue with each other, while Iran and Bangladesh have openly offered to mediate. The United Nations and the European Union have called for restraint and a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
