How did the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir escalate tensions between India and Pakistan?

The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where three gunmen killed 26 civilians at a tourist spot, immediately led to rising tensions. Following the attack, Indian investigative agencies blamed Pakistan, which denied involvement. Prime Minister Modi faced mounting pressure to respond militarily, holding meetings with top ministers and military leadership where he reportedly gave them freedom to decide on a response. This prompted Pakistan's concern, with a Pakistani minister holding a midnight press conference claiming they had intelligence about an imminent Indian attack. The situation has created a delicate diplomatic balance, with Modi facing pressure both to take military action and to de-escalate international tensions.