Why it matters:
The latest remarks mark a dangerous escalation in one of the world’s most volatile flashpoints. With tensions flaring after a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, both sides appear to be moving closer to a potential military confrontation—raising alarm across the region and beyond.
What he’s saying:
Faisal Kundi, a close advisor to the Pakistani prime minister, told Al Jazeera Mubasher:
“Our weapons are not for show. We have credible intelligence suggesting an Indian attack could happen within hours or days.”
He rejected Indian accusations linking Islamabad to the April 22 Kashmir bombing, calling them “baseless” and lacking evidence.
The big picture:
The April 22 terror attack killed 26 civilians, mostly Hindu tourists, in Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan-based actors, a claim Islamabad denies.
In response, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and taken other diplomatic measures viewed in Islamabad as “provocative.”
Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian flights and warned of a firm response if attacked.
Key points:
Prime Minister Sharif has reached out to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling India’s behavior “escalatory” and urging international intervention.
Pakistani officials have asked the UN and other global bodies to push for de-escalation and dialogue to prevent conflict.
Go deeper:
Both countries are nuclear-armed and have a long history of conflict—most notably over Kashmir. With inflammatory rhetoric and military posturing on the rise, international actors are increasingly concerned about the potential for a miscalculation that could spiral into open war. The UN has called for restraint, but pressure is mounting for tangible diplomatic efforts to avert a crisis.
Mojtaba Darabi
