Pakistani Minister Threatens Nuclear Strike Amid Kashmir Crisis
Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a dangerous new high following a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, with a senior Pakistani official threatening nuclear retaliation.
Pakistani Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi warned on Sunday that Islamabad could unleash its nuclear arsenal against India, in response to escalating diplomatic and military tensions between the two longtime rivals.
Pakistani Minister Issues Nuclear Warning
In a televised address, Abbasi reminded India that Pakistan possesses over 130 nuclear warheads and warned that the country’s missile systems are fully operational and strategically deployed.
"These ballistic missiles are not for display. Nobody knows where we have placed our nuclear weapons across the country. All of them are targeted at you," Abbasi declared.
The minister's remarks came amid growing anger in Pakistan after India announced the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty—an agreement that has historically managed water-sharing between the two countries since 1960.
"If they stop the water supply to us, then they should be ready for war," Abbasi said, reinforcing threats made earlier by Pakistani officials.
Kashmir Attack Sparks Diplomatic Meltdown
The current crisis began on April 22, when a terrorist attack at Baisaran Valley in Kashmir claimed the lives of 25 Indian tourists and one Nepalese national.
New Delhi immediately accused Pakistan of aiding cross-border militant groups, allegations that Islamabad strongly denies.
The attack was reportedly claimed by The Resistance Front, a group believed to be affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terrorist organization. Indian authorities have stated that two of the attackers are Pakistani nationals.
India Responds with Diplomatic and Military Measures
In retaliation, India has:
Downgraded diplomatic relations with Pakistan
Expelled Pakistani diplomats
Closed its land borders
Suspended all visa services for Pakistani citizens
India also launched military exercises, with the Indian Navy conducting drills amid the escalating standoff.
Indian troops and Pakistani forces have reportedly exchanged fire across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir for the third consecutive night, according to NDTV.
Indian forces are also carrying out anti-terrorist raids in border regions.
New Delhi has firmly stated that the Indus Waters Treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably” renounces its support for militant activity.
Fears of a Larger Conflict
Speaking to Sky News, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warned that the confrontation could spiral into an "all-out war" with potentially "tragic outcomes" given the nuclear capabilities of both nations.
Asif also alleged—without providing evidence—that India may have staged the Kashmir attack to justify its retaliatory actions.
With two nuclear-armed rivals exchanging threats and fire, international observers have expressed grave concern about the risk of escalation and the possible unraveling of decades of fragile peace mechanisms in the region.