Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated, with both sides reporting military actions and casualties.
- Drone Warfare: Pakistan claims to have shot down 25 Indian drones within its airspace, including over major cities like Karachi and Lahore. India, on the other hand, states it “neutralized” Pakistan’s attempts to strike military targets with drones and missiles. Pakistan reports that one drone struck a military target near Lahore, injuring four soldiers.
- Retaliatory Strikes: These exchanges follow India’s claim of targeting “terrorist infrastructure” inside Pakistan in response to an attack in Indian Kashmir. Pakistan has denied involvement in the Kashmir attack and vowed retaliation for the missile strikes.
- Casualties: Pakistan reports that Wednesday’s strikes and cross-border shelling killed at least 31 civilians and wounded about 50. India says 13 of its civilians died and 59 were wounded.
- Indian Response: India claims its forces targeted air defense radars and systems in Pakistan in response to Pakistan’s actions. India also alleges that Pakistan increased firing across the ceasefire line in Kashmir, resulting in 16 deaths on the Indian side.
- Economic Impact: News of the drone attacks caused Pakistan’s benchmark share index to plummet by 6.3%, leading to a halt in trading. Indian equities, rupee, and bonds also experienced sharp declines.
- Heightened Alert: The cable car in Gulmarg, a tourist destination in Kashmir, was shut down, and a hotel was evacuated due to its proximity to the border. Blackout drills were conducted in Indian border regions. Panic buying was reported in some Indian cities near the Pakistani border. Pakistan’s aviation authority temporarily suspended flight operations at airports in Lahore, Karachi, and Sialkot.
- International Response: Global powers, including the U.S., China, and Russia, have urged de-escalation and restraint. The U.S. President Donald Trump offered to help if needed.
- Statements from Both Sides: While pledging to respond to India’s strikes, Pakistan’s Defence Minister indicated a willingness to de-escalate. India’s Foreign Minister stated that New Delhi does not intend to escalate but will respond firmly to military attacks.
- Alleged Terrorist Casualties: Indian government ministers claimed that strikes on Pakistan killed over 100 terrorists.
