Tensions between India and Pakistan have surged again, with Pakistan’s government claiming it has received credible intelligence suggesting India may launch a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours. This comes just days after a brutal attack in Indian-administered Kashmir left 26 civilians dead.
The April 22nd assault, which targeted Hindu tourists in the picturesque town of Pahalgam, has reignited old hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbors. Survivors and officials say the attackers singled out their victims by name and religion before opening fire at close range. India has blamed the attack on militants allegedly supported by Pakistan — a claim Islamabad strongly denies.
In response, India swiftly suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals and placed the historic Indus Waters Treaty under review. Pakistan retaliated by closing its airspace to Indian airlines, setting off a chain of diplomatic and security escalations.
According to Pakistan’s foreign office, India is preparing for a military operation “based on concocted and baseless allegations.” Islamabad warned that any such action would be met with a “decisive and assured” response.
The Indian government has yet to issue a formal statement. However, a government source confirmed that the Cabinet Committee on Security — led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi — would meet for the second time since the attack to determine a course of action. Modi has given the Indian military full freedom to respond as it sees fit.
Meanwhile, low-level hostilities have resumed along the India-Pakistan frontier. The Indian Army reported unprovoked firing from Pakistani posts on Tuesday night, marking the sixth consecutive ceasefire violation. The Pakistani military has yet to comment on these allegations.
As the possibility of a larger conflict looms, international leaders are urging both sides to exercise restraint. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has spoken separately with both countries, emphasizing the grave consequences of military confrontation.
The United States is also stepping in, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected to speak with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts. The UK has joined the chorus, advising against all travel to the volatile Jammu and Kashmir region.
India and Pakistan have fought multiple wars since their partition in 1947, with Kashmir remaining the most volatile flashpoint. While India accuses Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, Pakistan insists it only backs Kashmiris’ right to self-determination through moral and diplomatic means.
With both governments digging in their heels and emotions running high on both sides of the border, the world watches anxiously — hoping the situation doesn’t spiral into another devastating conflict.
