In a volatile turn of events, tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified following a series of Indian missile and drone strikes that targeted alleged terrorist hideouts within Pakistan-administered Kashmir and beyond. The strikes, which took place over the past week, reportedly resulted in at least 48 deaths and have reignited fears of a full-blown conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
India claims that its actions were retaliatory, a response to a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir which it links to Pakistan-based groups. Pakistan has categorically denied the accusations, calling the strikes an “unprovoked aggression” and a breach of national sovereignty.
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Drones Downed, Borders Closed
Pakistan’s military responded swiftly by claiming the downing of 25 Indian drones and issuing a stern warning: retaliation would come at a place, time, and manner of its choosing. Heavy artillery exchanges have since been reported along the Line of Control, while over two dozen Indian airports remain closed due to the rising state of alert. The BBC confirms, “India says it has clear evidence linking Pakistan-based terrorists and external actors to the attack – a claim Pakistan flatly denies.”
The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, condemned the strikes, stating they “violated Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while gravely jeopardising peace and stability in the South Asia region.” His government, as reported by Deccan Herald, has expressed willingness to participate in a “neutral” investigation, suggesting international mediation involving China, Russia, and other nations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi echoed this sentiment.
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A Conflict Long in the Making
This latest escalation mirrors previous military actions from 2016 and 2019, where India similarly targeted alleged terrorist camps across the border. Each time, retaliations followed. Experts warn this familiar pattern may now become more dangerous due to technological advancements in warfare, especially drone strikes, which allow for more covert and immediate engagement.
As per Al Jazeera, the strikes are part of India’s growing strategy to establish deterrence and display readiness in response to future terrorist threats. But Pakistan remains unconvinced, with its leadership questioning India’s failure to present concrete proof. “Islamabad has also pointed out that India has not offered any evidence to support its claim,” the BBC reiterated.
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Narratives, Nationalism, and the Human Cost
Beyond the borders and missiles lies another battlefield, the media. Both countries accuse each other’s press of spreading propaganda. Pakistani officials have even accused Indian news outlets of fueling misinformation, suggesting this conflict is not only military but deeply psychological.
Meanwhile, civilians bear the brunt. Entire towns along the LoC have been evacuated, schools shuttered, and communication lines disturbed. The calls for restraint grow louder. Several international bodies and political leaders have urged both nations to seek dialogue instead of disaster.
Image: The Content Horizon
