Jammu/Islamabad: Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated dramatically, with both nuclear-armed nations exchanging drone strikes, artillery fire, and accusations of aggression for a third consecutive day—marking the worst fighting between them in nearly thirty years.
The violence erupted after India launched airstrikes on multiple sites in Pakistan on Wednesday, which it claimed were “terrorist camps” linked to a deadly assault on Hindu pilgrims in Indian-administered Kashmir last month. Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack but responded with retaliatory fire, sparking an intensifying exchange of missiles, drones, and artillery across the Line of Control.
At least 48 people have died so far, with dozens more injured. Civilians in border regions have been forced to evacuate amid sirens, air raid warnings, and widespread blackouts. In Indian cities like Amritsar and Jammu, residents reported explosions and power cuts, while tourism hubs saw a mass exodus. Hotels emptied and public fear spread, particularly after India’s prestigious IPL cricket tournament was suspended mid-match due to the unrest.
India’s military reported “numerous ceasefire violations” and drone incursions from Pakistan, stating that its forces delivered a “befitting response.” Meanwhile, Pakistan rejected these claims as “baseless,” asserting that it had not engaged in offensive operations.
Tragic civilian casualties have been reported on both sides. In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, early Friday shelling killed five, including a baby, and injured 29. In Indian Kashmir, heavy shelling in the Uri and Samba regions left several injured and homes destroyed. Authorities in Rajasthan and Gujarat activated emergency plans, closed schools, and prepared for evacuations.
The conflict marks the most serious escalation since the 1999 Kargil conflict, with India targeting cities in mainland Pakistan for the first time since the 1971 war.
Global leaders have urged restraint. U.S. Vice President JD Vance called for calm, while Saudi envoy Adel Al-Jubeir has held meetings with officials in both nations in an effort to mediate. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif confirmed ongoing talks with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and China to defuse the crisis.
The decades-long hostility between the neighbours—rooted in the disputed region of Kashmir—continues to threaten regional stability, with fears rising that this latest confrontation could spiral further out of control.