Pakistan on Wednesday claimed it has received "credible intelligence" suggesting India is preparing imminent military action, raising alarms as hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors intensify following a deadly attack on Hindu tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The April 22 assault in the Pahalgam region left 26 civilians dead after gunmen reportedly separated victims by name and religion before opening fire. Indian authorities have blamed the attack on militants, including two Pakistani nationals, accusing them of waging a violent insurgency in the Muslim-majority region. Pakistan has denied involvement and has called for an impartial international investigation.

In response to the attack, diplomatic and economic tensions have escalated sharply. India suspended the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty, while Pakistan retaliated by shutting its airspace to Indian airlines. Now, Islamabad warns that India could initiate military strikes within 24 to 36 hours, under what it calls a "fabricated pretext" tied to the Pahalgam killings.

While Indian defense and foreign ministries have yet to comment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly vowed retribution and granted military commanders the autonomy to determine an appropriate response. His cabinet’s security committee is meeting for the second time since the attack to assess the situation.

On the ground, cross-border exchanges of gunfire have increased, with the Indian military accusing Pakistan of initiating "unprovoked" attacks at several points along the Line of Control.No casualties have been reported so far. Pakistan’s military has remained silent on the latest skirmishes.

International leaders are urging restraint. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has contacted both sides to emphasize de-escalation, while the U.S. and U.K. have issued calls for calm and warned citizens against travel to the Kashmir region.

India accuses Pakistan of supporting militant groups operating in Kashmir, a region claimed in full by both countries but controlled in part. Pakistan insists its support is limited to diplomatic and moral backing for the Kashmiri cause.