India planning military action in next 24-36 hours, will face consequences: Pakistan
Islamabad (PTI): Pakistan on Wednesday claimed it has "credible intelligence" that India is planning military action against it in the next 24-36 hours and warned New Delhi that there would be consequences.
The statement came hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told the top defence brass that the armed forces have "complete operational freedom" to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack, government sources said.
Tensions have risen between the two countries after the Pahalgam terror attack last week that killed 26 people. Modi had said that India will "identify, track, and punish" the terrorist and their "backers" attack and pursue the killers to the "ends of the earth", as India stepped up the diplomatic offensive against Pakistan.
Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the Indian government is preparing to carry out military action against Pakistan on the basis of "baseless and concocted allegations" regarding Pakistan’s involvement in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
According to the statement, the minister said Pakistan had itself been a victim of terrorism and had always condemned it in all its forms and manifestations. He added that Islamabad had offered a “credible, transparent and independent” probe by a neutral commission of experts, and accused India of evading investigation and choosing a confrontational path.
Pakistan urged the international community to remain alive warning that any military adventurism by India would be “responded to assuredly and decisively” and that the “onus of any escalatory spiral and its consequences shall squarely lie with India.”
Earlier, India announced a raft of measures against Pakistan including expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, revokement of all visas issued to Pakistani nationals from April 27 and immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post.
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Kerala reports 182 Covid cases in May, says Health Minister Veena George
Thiruvananthapuram, May 21 (PTI): As many as 182 Covid-19 cases have been reported in Kerala in May so far, state Health Minister Veena George said on Wednesday.
The highest number of cases was reported in Kottayam district (57), while 34 and 30 cases were reported in Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram, respectively, during the period, she said after chairing a meeting of the state-level Rapid Response Team (RRT) here.
George urged people to be vigilant, as there is a possibility of an increase in Covid cases in Kerala as well, as large numbers of the infection are being reported in Southeast Asian countries.
The Omicron JN.1 variants, LF.7 and NB 1.8, which are spreading in these countries, have a higher potential for disease transmission, but the severity is not that high, she noted in a statement.
Stressing the significance of self-protection, the minister said those with symptoms such as a cold, sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath must wear a mask.
It is advisable for the elderly, pregnant women, and those with serious illnesses to wear masks in public places and while travelling, she said, adding that masks are mandatory while visiting hospitals.
Health workers must also wear masks, George said.
Instructions have been issued to conduct Covid tests for those coming to hospitals with symptoms in the state. Directions have also been issued to ensure RTPCR kits and other safety equipment are there, the statement further said.
George also urged people to be cautious against dengue, rat fever and waterborne diseases in view of the impending rainy season.
Besides the health minister, health secretary, national health mission (NHM)'s state mission director and health director were present during the RRT meeting, the statement added.
