In recent days, the situation between India and Pakistan has sharply escalated due to a shooting incident in the Indian-controlled Kashmir region.

According to a report by Sky News on April 25, Pakistan's Defense Minister Asif told the media program that this dispute between India and Pakistan may lead to a "full-scale war" between the two countries. However, he also emphasized his hope that the dispute could be resolved through negotiations.

A shooting incident targeting tourists occurred in the Indian-controlled Kashmir region on the 22nd, causing at least 25 deaths and several injuries. The Indian side accused Pakistan of being related to the attack and announced a series of measures against Pakistan on the 23rd, including closing borders, suspending water supply, and expelling diplomats.

In response to India's statement, Asif denied it, suggesting that India had "planned" the shooting incident through a "false flag" operation. He warned that under the escalating tensions and diplomatic actions between both sides, the Pakistani military was "fully prepared for any possible situation."

"We will carefully respond to any action initiated by India," Asif said. "If a full-scale attack or similar event occurs, then obviously a full-scale war will break out."

Pakistani Defense Minister Asif (right) accepting an interview from the British Sky News program. Video screenshot.

When asked whether the world should worry about a "full-scale war" breaking out between India and Pakistan, Asif replied, "Yes, I think so. A conflict between two 'nuclear-armed nations' is always concerning. If the situation worsens, this confrontation may bring tragic consequences."

In addition, when asked whether US President Trump should intervene in this dispute, Asif said, "If world powers can intervene and maintain some rationality in this situation, it would be beneficial."

"Otherwise, the Pakistani side has no choice but to retaliate against India's measures," he added.

The police in the Indian-controlled Kashmir region identified three radical armed individuals as participants in the shooting incident in the wanted notice issued earlier, with two of them being Pakistani citizens. After India announced a series of targeted measures, Pakistan immediately retaliated.

The Office of the Prime Minister of Pakistan issued a statement on the 24th saying that the National Security Committee decided to close the Wagha border crossing, revoke visas issued to Indian citizens, declare the Indian High Commissioner's military attaché in Pakistan as "persona non grata", close the airspace to Indian airlines, and suspend all trade with India.

On the 25th, both Pakistani and Indian officials confirmed that soldiers from both countries clashed in the Kashmir region early that morning, with no casualties reported.

According to The Hindu newspaper, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dev Vidyadhar visited the Indian-controlled Kashmir region on the 25th to inspect the local security situation. The report stated that Dev Vidyadhar would conduct a comprehensive review of the local security situation and listen to reports from senior Indian Army commanders in the area. The previous day, Indian Prime Minister Modi delivered a speech stating, "We will pursue the attackers until the end of the earth."

On the 25th, India's main stock market indices fell by about 1%, the rupee weakened, and the yield on the 10-year benchmark government bond rose by four basis points.

The spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Guterres stated on the 24th that Guterres was closely monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan and called on both governments to exercise maximum restraint to ensure that the situation does not escalate further.

This article is an exclusive contribution from Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7497209404832465417/

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