Pakistan military on 'red alert'

Pakistan's media is reporting that the country's military is on high alert over a possible strike by India.

Monday's reports come after a ratcheting up of tension between the two countries following attacks in Mumbai last month which killed 163 people.

Kamal Hyder, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Pakistan, said the local media attributed its reports to military sources, who were confirming that the navy, air force and army were on red alert.

"The Pakistani air force have been seen visibly in a number of locations flying close to the Pakistani-India border in what is being described as an aggressive patrolling mode, following reports that India is planning pre-emptive strikes against locations in Pakistan," Hyder reported.

"Chiefs of the three forces are meeting in what is being described as an emergency meeting in general headquarters in Rawalpindi.

"Only after the meeting is over will we come to know if it is a red alert or a heightened state of alert."

Hyder said that observers are saying that the Congress party in India has lost prestige due to the Mumbai attacks and, therefore, may try a show of strength in Pakistan. More