PAKISTAN INDIA WAR

As of April 30, 2025, India-Pakistan relations have become extremely strained following a deadly terror attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir. On April 22, a terrorist attack on tourists along Pahalgam killed 26, the majority of whom were Hindu civilians. The Resistance Front, a Pakistan-supported organization associated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. India accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers, which is not accepted by Islamabad.

In response, Pakistan's Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, said Islamabad has "credible intelligence" suggesting India can launch a military strike within 24 to 36 hours. Pakistan threatened to retaliate "decisively" against any Indian aggression, with officials warning national security threats would unleash severe retaliation.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has authorized the military to choose the mode, targets, and timing of the retaliation, emphasizing that the perpetrators will be punished "unimaginably." ​

There have been exchanges of fire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, with Indian and Pakistani troops. Pakistan also claims to have shot down two Indian drones along its border.

Diplomatic ties have deteriorated, with both countries expelling envoys and putting on hold key agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty and the Simla Agreement. Borders have been closed, and visa services put on hold.

The United Nations too has sounded a warning about the worsening situation, cautioning against potentially "catastrophic" fallout if the two nuclear-armed neighbours went to war.

Relations between India and Pakistan have plummeted sharply as of April 30, 2025 after a deadly terrorist attack on Indian-controlled Kashmir. On April 22, terrorists attacked tourists in the area around Pahalgam, killing 26 people, most of whom were civilians who were Hindus. The Resistance Front claimed responsibility for the attack, but the outfit is believed to be associated with the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. India has blamed Pakistan for supporting the terrorists, which Islamabad denies.

Responding to it, Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated Islamabad has "credible intelligence" that India may launch a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours. Pakistan has warned that it will respond "decisively" to Indian aggression, with officials warning that threats to national security would attract severe retaliation.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the armed forces a free hand to choose the mode, target, and time of the retaliation, stating that the perpetrators of the attack will have to pay the "unimaginable" price.

Skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir have been reported, with Indian and Pakistani soldiers exchanging fire. Pakistan has also claimed to have shot down two Indian drones over its territory.

Diplomatic relations have deteriorated, with both countries expelling diplomats and suspending key agreements, including the Indus Waters Treaty and the Simla Agreement. Borders have been closed and visa services suspended. ​

The United Nations has cautioned the situation, stating that there would be "catastrophic" consequences if the two nuclear-armed neighbors were to go to war.

As of April 30, 2025, India-Pakistan tensions continue to be at an all-time high following the April 22 terrorist attack on Pahalgam, Kashmir, that killed 26 victims, primarily Hindu tourists. Responsibility was claimed by the Resistance Front, a subgroup of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. Pakistan is accused of supporting the perpetrators by India, which Islamabad disputes.

Military Posturing and Cross-Border Skirmishes

India has allowed its troops absolute freedom of operation to thwart the attack. Attaullah Tarar, the Information Minister of Pakistan, said Islamabad had "credible intelligence" that showed India could open a military operation in 24 to 36 hours. Pakistan warned it will hit back "decisively" if Indian forces launch a war. ​

Skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir have been reported, with exchanges of fire between Indian and Pakistani troops. Pakistan also reports downing two Indian drones in its air space.

Diplomatic Fallout

Relations have deteriorated from bad to worse, both countries expelling diplomats and suspending strategic agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty and the Simla Agreement. Borders have been closed and visa services suspended.

International Reactions

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern at the intensifying hostilities and emphasized the need to prevent any confrontation that would have disastrous consequences. He reiterated the UN's dedication to peace and suggested providing support to efforts at de-escalating the tensions. ​

The United States is also actively engaging with both nations to prevent further escalation.

Economic and Civilian Impact

The violence has dealt a devastating psychological and economic setback to Kashmir's tourism industry, which was recovering from COVID-19. The industry contributes approximately 7% to the GDP of the region and has about 200,000 employees. ​

Thousands of Pakistani nationals are being forced to flee India, resulting in family breakdowns and increased communal tensions.