The risk of a full scale war between the two nuclear rivals - Pakistan and India - has diminished after major world powers stepped in to defuse tensions but the threat of a 'misadventure' remains till the Indian parliamentary elections are over, military sources said.
Talking to Business Recorder, military and intelligence sources said that Pakistan's armed forces are fully prepared to give a befitting response to any Indian aggression, adding that strict monitoring and surveillance are continuing despite the recent de-escalation in tensions.
"The threat of war is not completely over. It's still looming. Air strikes with border skirmishes may be the new war pattern," said a senior officer on condition of anonymity when asked whether the threat of war is over following the recent diplomatic efforts by major world powers, particularly United States.
"The full spectrum of war is unlikely and low intensity conflicts will continue.....Modi may indulge in another misadventure before the elections to which we are very much alive and would give a befitting response," said another senior military officer on condition of anonymity.
The decision to completely open Pakistan airspace on Friday (yesterday) has been deferred till March 9. "Pakistan airspace will remain closed for all over-flying (transit) flights till 9 March 2019, time 1000 (EST)," according to Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) Notam, a notice to airmen, on Friday.
CAA sources also told Business Recorder that flights at Sialkot airport resumed on Friday while the route over the Eastern border remains restricted and the airlines are taking alternative routes to their destinations.
Senior defence and security analyst, Lt Gen (retd) Talat Masood said although the clouds of a full-fledged war between Pakistan and India are over, yet Pakistan needs to remain vigilant to thwart any future misadventure.
"India doesn't really wanted to have a full-fledged war with Pakistan but to exert pressure through actions such as air strikes and engaging Pakistan in a low scale skirmishes," he said.
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