India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate After Pahalgam Attack: A Detailed Overview as of May 9, 2025
Background: The Spark in Kashmir
Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated following a deadly terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, a town in Indian-administered Kashmir. The attack claimed the lives of 26 Hindu pilgrims and injured dozens more. India has blamed Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed for the bombing, accusing Pakistan of sheltering militant groups.
This incident has not only reignited old wounds but also triggered a military response from India, marking one of the most serious confrontations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in recent years.
India’s Response: Operation Sindoor
In retaliation, India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, 2025—a series of precision airstrikes on nine targets in Pakistan, including locations in Bahawalpur and Muridke. These were areas allegedly used as terror training camps.
The Indian Air Force used Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs, focusing on destroying infrastructure linked to militant groups. Indian authorities described the strikes as “focused, non-escalatory, and pre-emptive,” targeting only terror threats—not civilians or the Pakistani military.
Pakistan’s Retaliation and Border Skirmishes
In response to the airstrikes, Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks aimed at Indian cities, including Amritsar. India claimed to have intercepted most of these missiles using its S-400 air defense system.
As tensions grew, both sides engaged in artillery shelling and firing across the Line of Control (LoC), especially in sectors like Kupwara, Baramulla, and Poonch. India accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire agreement for multiple consecutive nights, leading to casualties on both sides.
Civilian Impact and Emergency Measures
Amid fears of a broader conflict, India conducted a nationwide civil defense drill called “Operation Abhyaas” on May 7, across 244 districts. The exercise included air raid sirens, blackout simulations, and evacuation protocols—making it India’s largest such exercise since the 1971 war.
Pakistan, meanwhile, shut down airspace for 48 hours and closed schools in several provinces. India also temporarily closed over 25 airports in northern and western states, affecting thousands of domestic and international flights.
Disruption in Daily Life and National Events
Education: Schools and universities in conflict-prone areas were closed, and exams were postponed in parts of Pakistan.
Sports: The Indian Premier League (IPL) was suspended indefinitely after a power outage disrupted a match in Dharamshala. Pakistan moved its remaining Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches to the UAE.
These disruptions show how political conflict deeply affects ordinary life on both sides of the border.
Diplomacy and Global Reactions
Despite the military activity, diplomatic communication channels remain open. Pakistan’s ambassador to the U.S. confirmed back-channel talks with Indian officials at the National Security Council (NSC) level.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations are attempting to mediate, using their strong ties with both India and Pakistan. The United States has urged both countries to exercise restraint, but its influence in this particular crisis appears limited.
Concerns Over Free Speech and Information Control
As the situation grew tense, the Indian government directed X (formerly Twitter) to block over 8,000 accounts, including journalists, international media outlets, and civil society members. Officials cited “national security concerns,” but the move raised alarms about censorship and suppression of information during a critical time.
Conclusion: On the Brink, Again
The India-Pakistan conflict has entered a dangerous phase—marked by military strikes, border violence, restricted civil liberties, and fear among civilians. While both countries claim they do not seek war, the intensity of the current crisis shows how quickly peace in South Asia can be disturbed.
The coming days will be crucial. Whether this crisis ends with dialogue or more destruction depends largely on the willingness of both nations to prioritize diplomacy over dominance.
