In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar claimed on Monday that Islamabad possesses “credible intelligence” indicating that India is planning a military strike against Pakistan within the next 36 hours.

The startling assertion has sparked concern across diplomatic channels and raised fears of a fresh confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

According to CNN, Dar made the statement during a press conference in Islamabad, warning that Pakistan’s armed forces were on “high alert” and fully prepared to respond.

He urged the international community to intervene and prevent a possible outbreak of conflict.

“This is not a false alarm. We have credible intelligence, supported by multiple sources, that a strike is being planned,” said Dar.

He did not provide further details on the nature or location of the alleged Indian operation but emphasized that Pakistan would respond “decisively” if provoked.

India has not officially responded to the claim, but unnamed government sources told The Times of India that the allegation is “completely baseless” and may be part of a political maneuver ahead of domestic elections in Pakistan.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has yet to issue a formal statement.

The claim comes amid already heightened tensions following recent skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed Kashmir region.

Reuters reported that cross-border shelling resumed last week after months of relative calm, leaving several civilians injured on both sides.

Security analysts view Pakistan’s statement as a potential effort to internationalize the Kashmir issue once again.

“This could be a pre-emptive move to draw global attention and garner diplomatic support,” said defense analyst Rahul Bedi in a comment to BBC News.

The United Nations has called for restraint, urging both countries to avoid escalation.

Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said on Monday: “We are monitoring the situation closely and urge both parties to resolve their differences through dialogue.”

With both militaries reportedly mobilized and rhetoric intensifying, international observers are urging de-escalation to avoid a repeat of previous confrontations, such as the 2019 Balakot airstrikes and the Pulwama attack.