Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply as both countries accuse each other of drone strikes and airspace violations. The accusations follow India's recent strikes within Pakistani territory, which India claims were targeting "terrorist infrastructure" in response to a militant attack on Indian tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir last month that resulted in at least 26 fatalities. Pakistan vehemently denies any involvement in the attack.

Pakistan has responded strongly, stating that India "ignited an inferno" and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted that India would "pay the price" for its actions. Pakistan's National Security Committee has authorized a military response. Sharif also claimed that Pakistani forces shot down five Indian fighter jets, a claim that India has not confirmed.

Adding to the escalating situation, Pakistan has accused India of sending drones into its airspace and claimed to have shot down 25 drones overnight. According to Pakistan military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, India deployed Israeli Harop drones to multiple locations, including Karachi and Lahore. He added that the debris from these drones is being collected and that India would "continue to pay dearly for this naked aggression". India's army countered that it has neutralized "drones" and "missiles". The Indian embassy in Beijing has dismissed the reports of downed fighter jets as "misinformation".

The strikes and retaliatory actions have resulted in casualties on both sides. Pakistan reports that 31 people have been killed and 57 injured by Indian airstrikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, as well as firing along the Line of Control (LoC). India, on the other hand, claims that Pakistani shelling has killed at least 16 civilians on its side of the de facto border. Other reports indicate varying casualty figures, with one stating that at least 31 Pakistani civilians were killed and about 50 wounded, while India says 13 of its civilians died and 59 were wounded.

The international community has expressed concern over the rising tensions. Indian Prime Minister Sakir Stal stated that the tensions over Kashmir would be of serious concern to all communities. There have been calls for dialogue and de-escalation from various quarters. Newsweek reports that the U.S. and China have urged restraint from both sides. Concerns remain that miscalculation could lead to the situation spiraling out of control.