South Asia braces for potential conflict as India and Pakistan exchange heated threats, raising fears of a catastrophic escalation.

Tensions, fueled by mutual accusations and military posturing, risk destabilizing the region, with ripple effects potentially impacting neighbors like Bangladesh.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar sparked alarm, claiming credible intelligence suggests India plans an attack within 24 to 36 hours. “Any Indian military aggression will face a resolute response,” Tarar declared on television April 29, accusing India of using a recent attack in Pehelgaon as propaganda to justify hostility. He criticized India for acting as “judge, witness, and enforcer” in regional disputes.

In response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a National Security Committee meeting with top military officials, reportedly authorizing potential strikes against Pakistan. Sources indicate India’s armed forces have been granted full autonomy to select targets and timing.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar warned, “If India throws a brick, we’ll respond with a boulder.” He highlighted support from allies like China and Turkey, while Pakistan’s military downed an Indian Phantom Four drone in the Satwal sector, escalating border tensions.

Pakistan’s military media wing, ISPR, led by Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, accused India of sponsoring terrorism and plotting false flag operations. Both nations, armed with nuclear capabilities, face international calls for restraint.

Analysts suggest large-scale war remains unlikely due to the catastrophic risks, but border skirmishes could violate international law, threatening South Asia’s stability and triggering a humanitarian crisis.

The U.S. State Department urged both nations to pursue peaceful resolutions. Spokesperson Tammy Bruce noted Washington’s close monitoring of the situation.

Read more: India-Pakistan Kashmir Border Clashes Escalate: Fifth Day of Gunfire Sparks Fear

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, engaging with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, called for de-escalation. Global leaders echoed appeals for dialogue to avert disaster.

As diplomatic efforts intensify, the world watches anxiously, hoping cooler heads prevail in this volatile standoff.