Pakistan’s Defense Minister: Nuclear war with India unlikely.
Referring to the escalation of tensions between the country and India after an attack on a group of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said that he believes it is unlikely that this tension will turn into a nuclear conflict.
In an interview with Sputnik, he said: “I do not think that this war will lead to a nuclear exchange. Both India and Pakistan are nuclear powers, but I do not think that the situation will go to that extent.”
Asif’s comments came after last week’s attack in Pahalgam. At least 26 tourists were killed and several others were injured during the attack. It is said that a small group called the “Kashmir Resistance Front/Resistance Front”, which is considered a terrorist group in India, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government decided to suspend the water treaty with Pakistan. This historic treaty was concluded in 1960. During a meeting held at the residence of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, which was attended by External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Water Resources Minister C. R. Patil, a three-phase strategy for action against Islamabad was proposed.
Also, following the measures taken by India against Pakistan, Pakistani military advisors stationed at the New Delhi embassy must leave India immediately.
In a reciprocal action, Pakistan described Indian military advisors in Islamabad as undesirable elements and gave them a deadline of the end of April to leave Pakistan.
Also, in another action, Pakistan suspended all its trade relations with India, including trade relations through a third country.
According to Al Jazeera, Pakistan has also announced that in case of any violation of Islamabad’s rights in the western part of the Indus River, Pakistan will consider it an act of war.
Pakistan has also closed its airspace to Indian aircraft. According to Al Jazeera, Pakistan has confirmed that the number of staff at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad will be reduced to 30 from April 30. (Read details of the tension here.)