Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated dramatically following India's "Operation Sindoor," with reports of cross-border shelling, retaliatory strikes, and heightened security measures on both sides. The operation was initiated in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists.
Operation Sindoor: India's Strikes
On May 7, 2025, India launched what it called "precision strikes" against nine terror camps, including those belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), situated inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. India stated that the strikes were aimed at terrorist infrastructure and avoided targeting Pakistani military installations. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army confirmed the destruction of Markaz Subhanallah in Bahawalpur, identified as the headquarters of JeM. Satellite imagery revealed extensive damage to terror camps in Bahawalpur and Muridke. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh claimed that at least 100 terrorists were killed in these strikes.
Pakistan's Retaliation and Cross-Border Firing
Pakistan condemned the Indian strikes as an "unprovoked attack" and claimed that they targeted innocent civilians, including women and children. Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) wing of Pakistan's military, stated that at least 31 civilians were killed and dozens injured in the strikes. Pakistan retaliated with heavy shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistani forces targeted forward villages along the LoC, resulting in casualties and injuries among civilians. A soldier was also killed in the mortar shelling.
Escalation and Security Measures
The situation further escalated with reports of explosions in major Pakistani cities, including Karachi and Lahore. The Pakistani Army claimed that 12 Heron drones targeted nine cities, including Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. However, defense experts have suggested that these claims might be a "false flag" operation by the Pakistani Army. India has accused Pakistan of using drones and missiles to target military installations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur. These attacks were reportedly neutralized by India's air defense systems.
In response to the heightened tensions, authorities on both sides have implemented several security measures. Twenty-one airports in northern India were shut down until May 10. Civil defense mock drills were conducted across cities in India. Blackouts were instituted in border districts of Rajasthan and Punjab. Schools in five border districts of Rajasthan were closed. Control rooms were set up in 10 districts of Kashmir to monitor the situation.
International Response
Countries across the globe have called for restraint from both India and Pakistan. The U.S. Secretary of State has urged Pakistan's Prime Minister to take concrete steps to end any support for terrorist groups.
Impact on Karachi
Karachi, Pakistan's largest city and commercial hub, has been particularly affected by the recent events. Explosions were reported in the Sharafi Goth area of Karachi. The Indian Navy reportedly launched missile strikes on key Pakistani naval bases, causing major destruction and panic along Pakistan's coastline, and opened front against Pakistan after 1971, hitting Karachi port. Flight operations at Karachi airport were temporarily suspended.
