In a tense escalation of military readiness, seven days after the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan is taking significant measures to avert potential airstrikes from India. The attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, resulted in the tragic deaths of 26 people and left 17 others injured, marking a dark chapter in the region's ongoing conflict.
According to reports from India Today, the Pakistani army has begun deploying its radar systems to forward locations in the Sialkot sector, aimed at detecting any imminent Indian airstrikes. This move comes amidst fears of a military response from India, which has been heightened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vow to "identify, track and punish" those responsible for the attack.
In addition to radar deployments, the Pakistani army is also enhancing its electronic warfare capabilities to monitor Indian troop movements near Ferozepur. Recently, a TPS-77 radar was set up at Chor Cantonment, located just 58 kilometers from the international border, which significantly boosts Pakistan's surveillance capabilities.
Despite these defensive measures, the situation remains volatile, with Pakistan violating the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) for the fifth consecutive day. Reports indicate that the Pakistani military has initiated firing in the Kupwara, Baramulla, and Akhnoor sectors without provocation, prompting a swift response from the Indian Army.
The Pahalgam attack, executed by terrorists linked to the Pakistan-based group The Resistance Front (TRF), was particularly brutal, as the attackers selectively targeted civilians in the scenic Baisaran Valley, often referred to as "mini Switzerland." This shocking incident has not only intensified military tensions but has also prompted a decisive political response from India.
In the wake of the attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Modi, made the unprecedented decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, a significant agreement established in 1960 that governs water sharing between the two nations. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the treaty would remain suspended until Pakistan ceases its support for cross-border terrorism.
This suspension of the treaty is a historic move, as it marks the first time India has taken such a stringent action in response to cross-border terrorism. The CCS's decision underscores India's growing frustration with Pakistan's ongoing support for terrorist activities and reflects a shift towards a more aggressive posture in the region.
Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, expressed the country's heightened state of alert, stating that an Indian military strike is "imminent" and that Pakistan has reinforced its forces in anticipation of potential aggression. "We have reinforced our forces because it is something which is imminent now... Pakistan is on high alert, and it would only use its arsenal of nuclear weapons if there is a direct threat to our existence," Asif told Reuters.
Amid these tensions, intelligence sources have reported that the Pakistani army is vacating several terror launch pads across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and relocating terrorists to army shelters and bunkers. This movement indicates a significant shift in Pakistan's military strategy, as it braces for possible retaliation from India.
The backdrop of this escalating conflict is a long history of animosity between India and Pakistan, characterized by three major wars and ongoing skirmishes along the LoC. The Pahalgam attack has further strained relations, leading to fears of a broader military confrontation.
As the situation develops, both nations remain on high alert, with military exercises and troop movements being closely monitored. India's recent military exercise, named Aakraman (attack), involved frontline fighter jets and showcased the country's operational readiness, further alarming Pakistani officials.
In conclusion, the events following the Pahalgam attack have set the stage for a potentially dangerous escalation in military tensions between India and Pakistan. With both countries on high alert and military preparations underway, the international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation of hostilities before the situation spirals further out of control.
