Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated following India's military actions across the border, with Pakistan's Prime Minister asserting the nation's right to respond. The recent events are rooted in the aftermath of a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people. India has blamed Pakistan-based militants for the attack, an accusation Pakistan denies.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, the Indian army launched "Operation Sindoor" on Wednesday, striking nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The Indian army declared "Justice is served" following the strikes. Targets included what India claims to be terrorist infrastructure, specifically strongholds of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Pakistan, however, reports that the Indian strikes hit five locations, including civilian targets in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Kotli and Muzaffarabad. Pakistan's military confirmed that India launched missile attacks in three locations: Kotli and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and Ahmed Pur East in the Bahawalpur District of Punjab, Pakistan.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the strikes, stating that Pakistan "has every right to respond forcefully to this act of war imposed by India, and a forceful response is being given". He added that the entire nation stands with the Pakistani armed forces and that Pakistan knows how to deal with the enemy, vowing that the enemy will not succeed in their goals. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, leader of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), described the attacks as "cowardly and unprovoked" and "acts of war," asserting that Pakistan's armed forces are responding with full force.
Adding to the escalating situation, Pakistan has claimed to have shot down two Indian fighter jets, a claim that is yet to be confirmed by Indian authorities. Pakistan has also reportedly opened artillery fire along the Line of Control in the Bhimber Gali area, to which the Indian Army is responding in a "calibrated manner".
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions. The UN Security Council met in closed consultations to discuss the India-Pakistan question, with members expected to reiterate their condemnation of the April 22 attack and call for both sides to exercise calm and restraint.
These recent actions mark a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan, raising concerns about regional stability and the potential for further conflict.
