• Pakistan's defense minister claims an Indian military incursion is imminent after a deadly Kashmir attack.
• The Kashmir attack left 26 individuals dead, prompting severe tensions between the two nations.
• Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated Pakistan is on high alert, only considering nuclear options under direct threat.
• Positive calls for a neutral investigation have emerged as Pakistan denies involvement in the attack.
• Pakistan is briefing international allies on the escalating situation while reaffirming its readiness for conflict.

Pakistan's defense minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, stated on April 28 that a military incursion by neighboring India is "imminent" following a deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir last week. This attack resulted in 26 fatalities and has heightened tensions between the nuclear-armed nations, inciting outrage in India and calls for action against Pakistan. "We have reinforced our forces because it is something which is imminent now," Asif remarked, hinting at strategic military steps taken by Pakistan in response, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and Newsweek.

Asif further noted that India's rising rhetoric had led Pakistani military officials to brief the government about the potential for an Indian attack. Following the Kashmir incident, India identified two suspects as Pakistani nationals, an assertion Islamabad has refuted, also calling for an independent investigation. "Pakistan is on high alert and will only use its nuclear arsenal if there is a direct threat to our existence," Asif added, according to Dawn and India Times.

In a subsequent clarification, Asif mentioned that some of his statements had been misinterpreted, asserting that he did not predict an inevitable war but acknowledged the necessity for readiness in what he termed crucial upcoming days. He reiterated that while the situation remains tense, it might also be de-escalated through diplomatic channels, as supported by statements from international stakeholders such as Turkey, according to TRTGlobal and Dawn.