Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated dramatically following a series of attacks and counter-attacks, prompting strong reactions from both sides. Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has condemned India's actions as "cowardly attacks" and an "act of war," vowing that India "will have to suffer the consequences".
The recent crisis was sparked by a gun attack near Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir last month. India blamed Pakistan for the attack, which resulted in casualties, while Pakistan denied any involvement. In response, India launched what it called "Operation Sindoor," claiming to target "terrorist infrastructure" in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir. However, Pakistan asserts that the strikes hit civilian areas, resulting in the deaths of dozens of innocent civilians.
PM Sharif stated that India's "deceitful enemy has carried out cowardly attacks at five locations in Pakistan". He affirmed Pakistan's right to respond forcefully to what he termed an "act of war imposed by India". "Perhaps they thought we would retreat — but they overlooked the fact that this is a nation built on courage,” he added. He also vowed that every drop of blood spilled in the attacks would be avenged.
According to reports, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) responded to the Indian strikes. Pakistan claims to have shot down several Indian military jets, including Rafale planes. In a statement, PM Shehbaz said that the PAF "dealt such damage to the Indian forces that they left wounds 'which even time will not be able to heal'".
India, on the other hand, maintains that its strikes were precise and targeted only terrorist camps. However, Pakistan's defense minister stated that all the targets hit were civilian places, not militant camps. This version of events is supported by reports of damage to civilian infrastructure, including mosques.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions. Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry condemned the military attacks against Pakistan and called for resolving the conflict through diplomatic means. Spain has offered diplomatic support to Pakistan, with the Spanish Foreign Minister conveying the grave regional situation arising from India's actions. The EU's foreign policy chief also expressed concern over the situation.
Amid the heightened tensions, civilian flight operations at 21 airports across northern and north-western India have been suspended until May 10. This closure affects key regions, including Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
