Pakistan Warns of Strike on Kolkata if Provoked, India Vows Strong Response

Pakistan Warns of Strike on Kolkata if Provoked, India Vows Strong Response

New Delhi, Apr 5: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that his country could target Kolkata if India carries out any “misadventure,” intensifying tensions between the two neighbours ahead of the anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Asif claimed that India might attempt a “false flag operation” and said Pakistan would respond firmly. “If India tries such a move, we will take it to Kolkata,” he said, though he did not provide evidence for his allegations.

He also suggested that such an operation could involve detainees or staged incidents, a claim India has not responded to officially.

India, however, has issued a strong warning of its own. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said any provocation would invite an “unprecedented and decisive” response.

Speaking at a public event in Kerala, Singh said India’s approach to national security has become more assertive in recent years. He added that any repeat of past incidents would be met with a response “they will never forget.”

The sharp exchange comes as both countries approach the anniversary of the Pahalgam attack, which had triggered a major escalation. India had launched Operation Sindoor in response, targeting multiple terror camps across the border.

Officials had said several facilities linked to militant groups were destroyed during the operation. The situation later de-escalated after a ceasefire understanding between the two sides.

Reiterating Pakistan’s position, Asif said his country remains committed to peace but is fully prepared to defend its sovereignty. He described any potential response as “swift, calibrated and decisive.”

The latest remarks have added to concerns over rising tensions in the region, with both sides continuing to trade accusations over security and cross-border threats.