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Tensions intensify - Pakistan reveals retaliation plan for Indian aggression - Escalation Concerns Rise - Pakistan Declares Counteraction Against Indian Assault
The tension on the subcontinent is at an all-time high after India launched military attacks on various Pakistani targets. Following a security cabinet meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned of a retaliatory response to India's military action. As concern is mounting about a renewed war between the two nuclear powers, the new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz admonishes the parties to the conflict to "keep a cool head."
According to the Pakistani military, 31 people were killed, and 57 injured in rocket attacks overnight. In addition, there were fatalities in India due to artillery fire along the border in the Kashmir region under Indian control.
Serious accusations came from India after attacking several targets across Pakistan and the Pakistani-administered part of Kashmir. Claiming to be targeting "terrorist infrastructure," the Indian military spokesperson reported having destroyed nine "terrorist camps." However, these claims have been met with doubt by Pakistan.
Armed Forces Granted Authority to Act
Pakistan reserves the right to respond in self-defense at a time, place, and manner of its own choosing, as per a statement made by Sharif. "The Pakistani armed forces have been duly authorized to take appropriate action," he added, refraining from providing further details. The escalating situation has sparked widespread worry about a new war between the two nuclear powers.
The violent attack in Kashmir on April 22 resulted in 26 deaths and was followed by accusations from the Indian government of Pakistani involvement, which Islamabad denies vehemently.
Border Clashes and Casualties
After the air strikes, skirmishes broke out along the border overnight, according to the Indian army. The Indian Express reported, citing its sources, that at least seven civilians, including two children, were killed in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and 38 others were injured. Other media outlets reported at least ten fatalities. The government initially withheld any casualty reports. Indian broadcasters showed footage of destroyed buildings.
The army confirmed that there was artillery fire along the military control line. This approximately 740-kilometer line serves as a de facto border, dividing Kashmir between the two nuclear powers. Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif also reported the shooting down of five Indian fighter jets. India has yet to confirm these reports.
A Contentious History and Territory
The Kashmir region in the Himalayas is divided between Pakistan and India, but both nuclear powers claim the entire territory. The roots of the conflict date back to the colonial era. In 1947, following the release of the Indian subcontinent from British rule, it was partitioned into predominantly Hindu India and the new Muslim state of Pakistan. The violent partition still fuels a bitter rivalry today. Since their independence, both countries have fought three wars against one another, two of which were over Kashmir.
Pakistan Closes Airspace and Schools
After the attacks from India, Pakistan temporarily closed its airspace until local afternoon. Flight operations at Islamabad and Lahore airports were suspended, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the civil aviation authority to the German Press Agency. Schools remained closed in various parts of India and Pakistan. The southeastern Pakistani province of Sindh declared a health emergency, according to GeoNews.
South Asia expert Michael Kugelman warns that the escalation potential is much higher than in previous conflicts. "The Indian attack on Pakistan is far more expansive than the 2019 strike," the expert explained on the X platform. Additionally, the shooting down of several Indian combat aircraft reported by Pakistan highlights the increased level of military engagement.
In 2019, a heavy attack in Indian-administered Kashmir resulted in the deaths of 40 people. India then revoked the region's partial autonomy, which led to increased tensions. In 2021, both countries initially agreed to cease hostilities.
Global Concern Over Escalation
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his "deep concern" following the attacks. "The world cannot endure a military confrontation between India and Pakistan," he was quoted saying from his office statement. He implored both nuclear powers to exercise military restraint.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his hopes that the conflict between the two nuclear powers would not escalate further. "I hope it ends soon," Trump said at a White House event. Foreign Minister Marco Rubio stated on the X platform that he would continue to urge both the Indian and Pakistani leadership toward a peaceful solution.
German Chancellor Merz urged caution and reason during a visit to Paris. "Restraint and reason are essential," he said.
China called on both sides to exercise restraint and expressed regret over India's military action, expressing concern about the escalating situation. Although the Chinese-Indian relationship is tense due to border conflicts in the Himalayan mountains, China maintains close economic ties with Pakistan and also controls a smaller part of Kashmir in the east.
Iran also expressed its concerns and expressed hope that both sides could still de-escalate. On Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtchi was in Pakistani capital Islamabad to mediate between the South Asian nuclear powers. The United Kingdom also offered to mediate between the two countries originating from the British colonial empire.
- The escalating tension between India and Pakistan, particularly in Kashmir, has raised concerns about a possible renewed war between the two nuclear powers.
- Germany's new Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has urged the parties involved in the conflict to "keep a cool head" and exercise restraint.
- In response to India's military action, Pakistan has threatened a retaliatory response, with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stating that the Pakistani armed forces have been authorized to take appropriate action.
- The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has expressed deep concern over the situation and appealed for both nuclear powers to exercise military restraint.
- The global community, including the US, China, Iran, and the UK, have expressed their concerns over the escalating situation and have called for de-escalation.
