Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have jointly declared that their country will deliver a “befitting response” to any act of aggression by India. This comes amid heightened border tensions following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that left 26 civilians dead.
The two leaders, after reviewing the regional security situation, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to defending its sovereignty. “The nation stands united behind the armed forces, who are fully prepared to respond to any threat,” read their official statement.
Fallout From the Pahalgam Attack
The April 22 massacre in Baisaran meadow was carried out by terrorists, including two with suspected links to Pakistan. India has since accused Islamabad of cross-border involvement and taken several retaliatory measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari border crossing, and expelling Pakistani diplomats.
Pakistan, in turn, has denied any involvement, called for an international investigation, and mirrored India’s diplomatic and trade restrictions. It has also pulled out of the Shimla agreement and suspended bilateral trade.
US Urges Restraint
Amid the rising hostilities, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke separately with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif. Rubio urged both nations to de-escalate and work toward regional stability.
“He encouraged both sides to maintain peace and security in South Asia,” said US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
As both nuclear-armed nations continue to exchange fire along the Line of Control, global observers are closely watching the situation, hoping for dialogue over confrontation.
