Pahalgam attack news highlights: Pakistan claims Indian attack imminent amid tensions

Pahalgam attack news highlights: Pakistan's information minister has claimed he has credible evidence that India will launch an attack on the country

Pahalgam terror attack news highlights: PM Narendra Modi chaired a key meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan and the chiefs of the three Armed Forces services. PM Modi affirmed India's national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism and expressed complete faith and confidence in the Armed Forces' professional abilities. He also said the forces have “complete operational freedom” to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's response.

The huddle came in the wake of developments post the terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. Earlier on Tuesday, the Union Home Ministry convened a high-level meeting with security chiefs of the BSF, CRPF and NSG.

China reiterated its call for India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, saying their harmonious coexistence is vital to the region's peace, stability, and development.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said the entire opposition supports the government's response to the Pahalgam attack. The party took a dig at PM Modi by posting a headless picture of him with the caption “Gayab”.

The post created a huge uproar among BJP leaders with several among them slamming the grand old party for toeing the line of Pakistan. But, Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao explained that the post was meant to convey the message that PM Modi must speak to the people directly about the Pahalgam attack.

Meanwhile, tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate along the LoC as Islamabad has once again violated the ceasefire. Pakistani forces opened unprovoked small arms firing across in areas opposite Kupwara and Baramulla, as well as Akhnoor, during the night of April 28 and 29. The Indian Army retaliated in a 'measured and effective' manner.

Pahalgam terror attack | Key points

• Pakistan is planning to take international legal action after India suspended a key river water-sharing treaty, a minister told Reuters. “Talks on our legal strategy are almost finished,” Malik said, adding that a decision on which actions to take would be made soon and could involve more than one legal route.

• The Centre also blocked the X account of Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. The action came a day after 16 Pakistani YouTube channels with a total of 63 million subscribers were banned in India for spreading 'provocative and communally sensitive content'.

• The National Security Guard (NSG) and police carried out a mock security drill at the ancient Aap Shambhu temple complex and nearby areas in Jammu on Tuesday, an official said.

• Condemnation of the attack from across the world continued to pour in. Russia's deputy foreign minister reaffirmed that Moscow will counter the "global terrorist threat together" with India.

• India at the United Nations "deeply appreciated" the solidarity and support extended by world leaders in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. New Delhi hailed the 'Victims of Terrorism Association (Votan)' as a significant step and described it as essential in strengthening the global response to terrorism.