Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said no meeting of the country's nuclear committee had been held or planned, despite the escalation of the military conflict with India, which began with attacks on Indian installations in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking on ARY TV, Asif stressed that the nuclear option remained a "very remote possibility" and should not be discussed in the current context, urging focus on ongoing military operations. The statement, reported by Reuters, came amid intense fighting and mutual accusations, highlighting the fragility of the situation between the two nuclear powers.

The conflict erupted after the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack, in which militants believed to be affiliated with the Resistance Front group killed 26 tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. India accused Pakistan of supporting the terrorists and on May 7 launched Operation Sindoor, launching missile strikes on Nur Khan, Murid and Shorkot air bases. Pakistan responded with Operation Banyan-ul-Marsus (Strong Wall), which destroyed an airfield in Birnal, three checkpoints and an Indian brigade headquarters in Bhimber Gali, according to Geo TV. Footage of the destruction, including smoke billowing over Jammu, is being shared on X, where Pakistani drones and supersonic missiles have hit civilian targets including the Shambhu temple, according to The Times of India.

India has reported moving more troops to the Line of Control in anticipation of further escalation. Pakistan is also ramping up its military presence, with Chinese JF-17 fighter jets and HQ-9 air defense systems, according to The Guardian. Both sides have imposed tough measures, with India closing 32 airports until May 15 and Pakistan banning flights for 48 hours, which has crippled air travel and dealt a blow to the economy, according to Bloomberg. The Indian stock market has fallen 3%, and the Pakistani rupee has continued to weaken.

Asif’s nuclear option statement raised concerns, despite his attempt to tone it down. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Pakistan has about 170 nuclear warheads, including Shaheen-III missiles with a range of up to 2750 km. India, with a similar arsenal and Agni-V missiles, also has the ability to strike back. As The Washington Post notes, both countries have repeatedly emphasized their “no first use” nuclear doctrine, but the current escalation raises the risk of miscalculation.