Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan’s northwestern province, on Thursday (May 1) declared that it will install emergency alert sirens across 29 districts to timely alert civilians in case of a military strike by India. Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours have increased following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 26 people were massacred. Indian agencies hint at the involvement of Pakistani nationals in the attack, which specifically targeted Hindu men.
Pakistan has denied the allegations and has offered to participate in any “transparent” international probe into the attack.
The Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported that the sirens will help provide people with real-time alerts and warnings.
“The emergency sirens are to be installed in high-risk areas to maximise coverage. The move aims to provide real-time alerts and warn the citizens beforehand in the case of an aerial threat,” the report said.
Additionally, the Directorate of Civil Defence KP has also issued an advisory to citizens to “immediately seek shelter if they hear a siren”. People in the region have been warned against going outside and have been told to prioritise the safety of women, children and elderly people.
“The general public has been strictly discouraged from engaging in spreading rumours and mocking or misusing the sirens. The measure intends to safeguard the lives and property of the citizens in times of potential conflict,” said the APP report.
Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said his country won’t initiate any attack on India but warned of a “strong response”. Earlier, in an unusual middle of the night press conference, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed they had “credible intelligence”, indicating India may carry out a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours.
The deadline has already passed and there has not been any military escalation from the Indian side yet.
Earlier, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told news agency Reuters that a military incursion by India was imminent. Pakistan was on high alert but would only use its nuclear weapons if “there is a direct threat to our existence”, Asif said.
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