Saturday, March 29, 2025
Tensions intensify as New Delhi and Islamabad blame each other for drone incursions and airstrikes following deadly attacks.
India and Pakistan exchanged fresh accusations after a night of drone and missile activity. The dispute follows Indian airstrikes that killed at least 31 people in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, accused India of sending drones into several cities, including Rawalpindi. He said air defense forces shot down over a dozen drones. He also confirmed four injured soldiers and one civilian death in Sindh province.
“Our forces are collecting debris from the drones,” Chaudhry said. “This aggression continues, and we are responding in real-time.”
India responded by accusing Pakistan of targeting northern and western cities, including Amritsar, Srinagar, and Chandigarh. Officials stated that their air defense systems successfully intercepted all incoming drones and missiles.
India’s defense ministry said its forces disabled Pakistan’s air defense over Lahore. It warned that any further military attack would bring a strong response.
Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar issued a clear warning. “Any military aggression will receive a very firm response,” he told Iranian delegates in Delhi.
A senior Pakistani official denied launching attacks on Indian targets. He claimed Indian reports were false. He said Pakistan had not yet responded but would act soon.
“We have not fired any drones or missiles into India,” he said. “Their reports are fake. Our response will follow.”
Drone activity prompted the U.S. Consulate in Lahore to issue a warning. It asked staff to shelter in place due to explosions and drone sightings.
Airports in both countries shut down. Pakistan suspended flights from Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot. India closed more than 20 airports in its northern region.
Hospitals in Pakistan’s Sindh province declared a state of emergency. The health department cancelled leave for all medical staff.
India also raised alerts in Punjab and Rajasthan. Police leave was cancelled, and border forces received shoot-on-sight orders.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promised to avenge the airstrikes. He called India’s actions “an act of war.” Some officials claimed Pakistan downed five Indian jets, including Rafale aircraft. Others said the full response would come later.
India defended its strikes, linking them to a recent terror attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people. Officials said they hit terrorist camps and avoided military bases. They described the operation as measured and responsible.
Pakistan denied the existence of militant groups in the areas India targeted. Officials said Indian missiles only struck civilian zones.
Cross-border shelling continued along the Kashmir border for a second night. Reports said 11 civilians and one Indian soldier died. Authorities began evacuating residents from high-risk areas.
Diplomatic efforts gained momentum. Iran’s foreign minister arrived in Delhi to offer mediation. Saudi Arabia also sent its foreign minister for talks with Indian leaders.
Tensions remain high as both sides prepare for possible military escalation. The world watches closely, urging both nations to step back from the brink.
