Pakistan: India escalating tensions toward major conflict

May 09, 2025 / 11:13 PM

Security personnel stand guard near the Karachi Port in Karachi, amid the ongoing border tensions between India and Pakistan after the Kashmir ...

Sharjah 24 – AFP: Pakistan on Friday accused India of pushing the nuclear-armed neighbours "closer to a major conflict," as cross-border attacks involving missiles, drones, and artillery entered a third day, leaving over 50 people dead.

Tensions flare after Kashmir attack

The violence follows a deadly assault on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir last month that killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan for the attack, which Islamabad denied.

India launches air strikes

In retaliation, India carried out air strikes on Wednesday targeting what it described as "terrorist camps" in Pakistan, resulting in more than 20 civilian deaths and triggering the most severe clashes in decades.

Pakistan vows to respond

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Shafqat Ali Khan, condemned India's actions as “reckless,” while military spokesman Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry warned that Pakistan "will not de-escalate" and hinted at a response on their own terms.

Intense cross-border exchanges

The Indian army reported fending off overnight drone and artillery attacks, while Pakistani officials claimed five civilians were killed by Indian shelling along the Line of Control (LoC). Indian sources said Pakistani drones were spotted in several regions.

Drone warfare escalates

Pakistani military sources claimed to have shot down 77 Indian drones in two days. India countered that up to 400 drones had tried to cross into its airspace and accused Pakistan of attacking military installations.

Conflicting military claims

Pakistan claimed it downed five Indian jets, while India did not confirm the losses and reported three aircraft had crashed within its own borders. Both sides made numerous unverifiable claims.

Civilians speak out amid devastation

In Muzaffarabad, a 15-year-old Pakistani resident condemned India’s attacks, while in Jammu, Indian civilians voiced support for their government’s response, citing recent civilian casualties.

Schools closed, airspace disrupted

Heightened tensions led to school closures and flight disruptions, with India shutting down 24 airports. The IPL cricket tournament was suspended, and the Pakistan Super League was relocated to the UAE after a drone strike near Rawalpindi stadium.

Global calls for restraint

World leaders urged both nations to show restraint. Saudi Arabia and Iran engaged in regional diplomacy with visits to both Islamabad and New Delhi. However, the International Crisis Group noted a worrying lack of international urgency in preventing further escalation.