Morning Brief: Indian Military Strike Imminent, Pakistan Tells Foreign Press, Then Walks Back On Statement; Congress Leaders Embarrass Party With Remarks On Pahalgam Attack; And More

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Pakistan Warns of Imminent Indian Strike, Then Walks Back Statement

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday (28 April) claimed that India was planning a military strike in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam — only to later walk back his remarks, saying they had been “misinterpreted.”

Speaking to Reuters, Asif said Pakistan had reinforced its forces and was bracing for Indian action based on military briefings. His comments came after a terror attack in Pahalgam, which left multiple casualties and has raised tensions.

However, as the day progressed, Asif toned down his rhetoric, clarifying that he had only referred to a “possibility” of escalation, not an “imminent incursion.” While saying the next few days were crucial, he stopped short of predicting war.

At the same time, he struck a familiar note, warning that Pakistan was fully prepared to defend its sovereignty — even reminding of its nuclear arsenal.

Asif’s remarks, and his subsequent walk-back, come at a time when emotions are running high after the Pahalgam attack and are seen as an attempt to pre-emptively internationalise any Indian response.

Congress Embarrassed By Leaders' Pahalgam Attack Remarks

Congress is in a soup as off-the-cuff remarks by several of its leaders on the Pahalgam terror attack have embarrassed the party, forcing the leadership to distance itself and reiterate that only statements by Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and authorised AICC leaders reflect the official line. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah drew fire after saying he opposed war with Pakistan, later clarifying that war should be the last resort, even as Pakistani media amplified his remarks.

Excise Minister RB Timmapur and Maharashtra leader Vijay Wadettiwar further embarrassed the party with controversial comments questioning whether terrorists asked victims about their religion before killing them, despite multiple survivor accounts saying otherwise. Under attack, the Congress leadership has scrambled to contain the damage and reaffirm unity with the Centre while battling perceptions of softness on Pakistan.

Bajaj Group To Seal Largest Insurance Deal In India

Bajaj Group is set to complete the largest deal in India's insurance sector by buying Allianz SE’s 26 per cent stake in their life and general insurance ventures for Rd 24,180 crore. With this move, Bajaj will take full ownership of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, ending a 24-year partnership with Allianz.

Along with the main acquisition, Bajaj Finserv will also buy Allianz’s 50 per cent stake in their financial distribution joint venture. Bajaj Finserv’s chairman Sanjiv Bajaj said full control would help unlock greater value for shareholders, with the two insurers already managing premiums of over Rs 40,000 crore.

Other Developments

NIA Investigation Into Pahalgam Attack Moves Forward

A local man, believed to have hidden in a tree for over an hour after the gunshots at Pahalgam, is being questioned by police for crucial information about the terrorists. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) took him to Baisaran valley to recreate the scene, while they are also examining evidence from his mobile phone, as he witnessed the entire episode from a distance.

At least 400 people were in the Baisaran meadow during the attack, with ticket sales estimated around 1,000 for the day. Eyewitnesses said that three militants entered the park by crossing a chain link fence and began shooting, but local ponywallas helped tourists escape. Many locals, including eyewitnesses, noted that security presence in Baisaran was lacking compared to other tourist spots in Pahalgam.

Fearing Indian retaliation after the Pahalgam terror attack, the Pakistani Army has begun vacating terror launch pads across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and relocating militants to shelters and bunkers. According to India Today, intelligence sources revealed that Indian agencies identified multiple active launch pads, prompting the reshuffling of terrorist positions in key locations like Kel, Sardi, and Kotli.

This move appears to be a desperate attempt by Pakistan to protect its terror infrastructure from Indian surveillance and potential strikes. Security forces have also identified 42 terror launch pads across PoK, with around 150 to 200 militants currently stationed in various camps, ready for infiltration.

Relief For Adani Green Amid US Indictment Probe

Adani Green has said that an independent review into the US indictment of Gautam Adani and senior executives found no evidence of non-compliance or irregularities. US authorities had in November accused Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and Managing Director Vneet S Jaain of paying $265 million in bribes to secure power contracts and misleading investors, charges the Adani Group has dismissed as "baseless."

Following the review by independent law firms, Adani Green concluded that it and its subsidiaries had complied with all applicable laws and regulations. The company also said it does not expect the US proceedings to have any material impact on its business.

From The States

UP: SC Upholds Decision To Add Centre, ASI In Mathura Temple Case

The Supreme Court upheld the Allahabad High Court's decision to allow Hindu worshippers to amend their petition and add the Centre and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as parties in their suit seeking the removal of the Shahi Idgah mosque from the Mathura temple site. The Hindu plaintiffs argue that the mosque falls under the ASI's jurisdiction and should be exempt from the Places of Worship Act.

Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justice Sanjay Kumar, emphasized that the amendment should be allowed and clarified that the high court should have permitted it earlier. The court also addressed the Muslim side’s concerns regarding the suit's jurisdiction and whether it was barred.

J&K: Omar Abdullah Rejects Statehood Push After Attack

An emotional Omar Abdullah choked back tears in the J&K assembly on Monday as he vowed not to use the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which killed 26 people, to demand the restoration of statehood. Rejecting calls to politicize the tragedy, Omar said the moment called for "condemnation and solidarity," not bargaining, and took personal responsibility for the safety of the tourists.

His father, Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, said Pakistan’s actions had closed the door on any future dialogue. The assembly unanimously passed a resolution condemning the attack and urging all states and Union territories to ensure the safety of Kashmiris across India.

Revanth Reddy, KCR Face Flak For Pushing Maoist Talks

Calls by Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and BRS chief KCR to engage Maoists in dialogue have sparked widespread outrage. Critics argue that such peace overtures have repeatedly failed in the past and only allowed extremist groups to regroup.

Reddy’s framing of Naxalism as a social, not law and order, issue has drawn sharp political attacks. KCR’s demand to halt anti-Naxal operations has been slammed as undermining security efforts in Chhattisgarh. The BJP has accused both Congress and BRS of using Maoist outreach as a political tool to deflect from their own failures.

You’re all caught up—until next time.