India plans to carry out army action against Pak: Minister

Indian fighter jets patrolling above Kashmir were forced to go away after the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) scrambled its jets, state-run media reported on Wednesday. This added to tensions between the two countries in the wake of the Pahalgam attack.

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The development comes after Information Minister Attaullah Tarar earlier said “credible intelligence” reports indicated that India was planning to conduct a military action against Pakistan in the “next 24 to 36 hours.”

However, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also said Pakistan would not strike first. Leaders around the world have expressed deep concerns and urged restraint by the uneasy neighbours who have fought several wars.

India's foreign and defence ministries did not respond to requests for comment. However, Indian government officials said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has “given complete operational freedom to the armed forces to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India’s response to the Pahalgam massacre.” They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive deliberations.

In a statement early on Wednesday, Islamabad said it condemned terrorism in all forms and will respond “assuredly and decisively” to any military action from India.

“Pakistan has been the victim of terrorism itself and truly understands the pain of this scourge,” Tarar said, adding: “We have always condemned it in all its forms and manifestations anywhere in the world.”