India-Pakistan Tensions Reach Boiling Point: Military Strikes, Global Reactions, and the Road Ahead
Published: Saturday, May 10, 2025 | By The Dainik News Team
New Delhi/Islamabad: The border between India and Pakistan is witnessing its most dangerous escalation in decades. On Saturday, Pakistan announced a military campaign in response to what it claimed were Indian assaults on its military installations overnight. With both nations armed with nuclear weapons, the world is watching closely as the risk of a larger conflict looms.
How Did the Crisis Begin?
The current crisis traces back to April 22, when a brutal attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local guide. India quickly blamed Pakistan-based militants, specifically naming The Resistance Front (TRF), a group it accuses of being a proxy for Lashkar-e-Taiba. Pakistan denied any involvement, but the incident reignited long-standing hostilities over the disputed Kashmir region.
Diplomatic ties rapidly deteriorated. India withdrew from a water-sharing agreement, both countries expelled diplomats, and Pakistan threatened to exit further bilateral treaties, including the historic 1972 Simla Agreement that governs the Line of Control in Kashmir.
Missile and Drone Strikes: The Conflict Intensifies
On May 7, India launched a wave of missile attacks targeting what it described as "terrorist infrastructure" in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan reported civilian casualties, including the deaths of two children. The following day, India sent drones deep into Pakistani airspace, reaching major cities. In retaliation, Pakistan launched its own missile and drone strikes, targeting Indian military bases and urban centers. Explosions and blackouts were reported in several Indian and Pakistani cities, with border towns on both sides facing the brunt of the violence.
Indian authorities said they intercepted hundreds of drones, while Pakistan claimed to have hit multiple Indian military installations. In Punjab's Ferozepur, three civilians were injured after a drone attack. Airports in dozens of Indian cities remain closed, and the government has extended airspace restrictions until May 14[6].
The Humanitarian Impact
The escalation has left border communities living in fear. Blackouts, sirens, and air raid warnings have become routine in Jammu, Srinagar, Amritsar, and other major towns. Humanitarian agencies report restricted mobility, rising anxiety, and disruptions to daily life for millions living near the border[5]. Schools and businesses have been shut, and thousands have sought shelter in safer areas.
Global Community Calls for Restraint
The United States, China, and the United Nations have all called for calm and dialogue. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has offered Washington's help in mediating the crisis, emphasizing that "diplomacy must prevail over confrontation." President Donald Trump urged both nations to de-escalate "as quickly as possible," highlighting the risks of miscalculation between two nuclear-armed neighbors[6].
The international financial community is also watching closely. India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired a high-level meeting to assess the banking sector’s preparedness for any fallout, while the IMF and World Bank have urged both sides to prioritize stability.
Nuclear Fears: Could the Unthinkable Happen?
The specter of nuclear conflict hangs over the region. Both India and Pakistan have declared "no first use" nuclear policies, but experts warn that doctrine can shift quickly in a crisis. Dan Smith, director of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, told Al Jazeera, “It would be foolish for either nation to initiate a nuclear strike against the other... The likelihood of nuclear arms being deployed is low, but that does not render it impossible.”[2]
Analysts note that while the threshold for nuclear use remains high, the risk of escalation through miscalculation or accident cannot be ignored. The world’s first war between two nuclear-armed nations would have catastrophic consequences for the region and beyond.
Disinformation and Fact-Checking
In the fog of war, rumors and fake news are spreading rapidly on social media. Authorities in both countries have urged citizens to rely on official sources. For example, reports of an explosion at Jaipur airport were quickly debunked by local officials and India’s Press Information Bureau[6].
What’s Next?
As of Saturday afternoon, military activity remains high along the 3,200-kilometre border. Both sides have moved additional troops to forward positions, and the Kartarpur Corridor-a key religious link-has been closed. The Airports Authority of India has extended the closure of 25 air routes until May 15, disrupting travel across the country.
While diplomatic backchannels remain open, there is little sign yet of a breakthrough. The world is watching, hoping that dialogue and restraint will prevail over escalation.
"The Dainik will continue to provide verified updates and in-depth analysis as this story develops. For tips or information, contact us at dainikpulsenews@gmail.com."
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