Minister: Pakistan ready to deliver "befitting response" to any Indian aggression

Pakistan is fully prepared to respond forcefully to any Indian military aggression, especially across the Line of Control (LoC), and will not hesitate to retaliate if provoked, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said in a televised interview with Türkiye’s TRT Haber channel.

In a strong statement amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, Tarar underscored that any attack from India would be met with a “strong and appropriate response.”

“Pakistan has never taken the initiative to attack. But if India dares, it will get a befitting response from our side,” Tarar declared, adding that the country’s armed forces are among the most professional and capable in the world. “Our forces are alert and capable. They are ready to defend the homeland against any form of aggression.”

Addressing the recent deadly assault in Indian-administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, Tarar rejected Indian allegations implicating Pakistan. On April 22, gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, killing 26 people—25 Hindu tourists and one Christian. The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be linked to the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility for the attack. India has since accused Pakistan of backing the militants—an allegation Islamabad has firmly denied.

“The hands of Pakistan are clean,” Tarar asserted. “That is why we have demanded an impartial and transparent investigation into the Pahalgam incident.”

He accused India of trying to escalate tensions in the region and warned that Islamabad would not tolerate “aggressive behaviour.” He said Pakistan has credible intelligence suggesting that India is preparing for a military move, prompting Islamabad to take pre-emptive steps to ensure national security.

“Pakistan is taking all possible measures to protect itself and its people. India should give up its aggressive measures. Regional stability is the responsibility of both sides, and Pakistan is acting responsibly,” Tarar added.

He also confirmed that Pakistan is engaging with several friendly nations to keep them informed of the situation and to reinforce the country’s commitment to peace and security in the region.

The exchange comes as bilateral relations continue to nosedive following the Pahalgam attack. India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty—a key water-sharing agreement—and expelled Pakistani diplomats. In a tit-for-tat response, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian aircraft, halted bilateral trade, and expelled Indian diplomats. Both sides have since suspended major agreements, including the landmark Shimla Agreement, signalling a sharp deterioration in diplomatic and economic ties.

By Tamilla Hasanova