The specter of war once again looms over South Asia as Pakistan and India stand at the brink of a dangerous confrontation. Following a deadly assault in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 tourists lost their lives, both nations have launched into a cycle of accusations, military alerts, and diplomatic retaliation.
India swiftly pointed fingers at Pakistan, identifying two suspects as Pakistani nationals, while Islamabad categorically denied any involvement and demanded an independent international investigation. Pakistanâs Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that a military incursion by India now appears “imminent,” prompting Islamabad to reinforce its military readiness and take strategic decisions to safeguard its sovereignty.
Amid rising rhetoric, Asif stressed that Pakistanâs nuclear arsenal would only be used if there were a direct threat to the country’s existence. He accused India of exploiting the tragedy to serve domestic political objectives, describing the allegations as a deliberate fabrication aimed at consolidating political support ahead of upcoming elections.
In response to the attack, India suspended the historic Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani nationals within 48 hours, closed the Attari-Wagah border, and heavily restricted diplomatic activities. Visa services for Pakistanis were also suspended indefinitely.
Pakistan retaliated by suspending all bilateral agreements with India, including the pivotal Simla Accord, and closing its airspace to Indian aircraft. The Wagah border was ordered shut, trade routes were severed, and Indian diplomats were expelled. Pakistan firmly rejected India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, declaring it a violation of international law and warning that any move to restrict its water rights would be seen as an act of war.
The Pakistani leadership asserted that Indiaâs recent actions had validated the Two-Nation Theory, emphasizing the need for a separate Muslim homeland.
As diplomatic bridges collapse and military preparations intensify, the international community watches with mounting alarm, urging both nuclear neighbors to step back from the edge and return to dialogue.
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