India allegedly plans to launch an offensive against Pakistan within the next few days, according to Pakistan's claims based on credible intelligence.
Things are heating up between India and Pakistan once more following the violent Pahalgam massacre (23 April 2025) in the Indian-controlled region of Jammu and Kashmir, which left 27 civilians dead and 20 injured. Here's a lowdown on the latest developments:
Military unrest
An arms race?
India outnumbers Pakistan's military forces nearly two to one, boasting twice the active personnel (1.45M vs. 654K)[1] and superior air power (513 vs. 328 fighter jets)[1]. As skirmishes continue along the Line of Control, fears of escalation hang heavy in the air.
Diplomatic meltdown
India has accused Pakistan of backing the attack, resulting in countermeasures such as the expulsion of diplomats, visa cancellations, and border closures. India has also withdrawn from the Indus Waters Treaty[2], while Pakistan has ceased adherence to the Shimla Agreement and curbed trade.
De-escalation Challenges
Despite the seriousness of the situation, direct talks or mediated negotiations appear to be on hold. Both sides seem entrenched in their positions:
- India: Travel advisories have been issued, urging citizens to steer clear of Pakistan[2].
- Pakistan: Closed airspace and border crossings in response[2].
The lack of open lines of communication and reciprocal punitive measures suggests that the risk of prolonged stalemate persists.
Witness accounts
Surviving tourists recount the terrifying details of the attack, with gunmen reportedly singling out Hindu men and executing them at close range. Unfortunately, the deceased included a Nepalese citizen and a local Muslim pony ride operator as well[3].
Aishanya Dwivedi described the tragic moment when a gunman approached her and her husband, challenging him to recite the Islamic declaration of faith. When her husband replied that he was Hindu, the assailant shot him "point-blank in the head." Devastated, Dwivedi was left soaked in her husband's blood[3].
- Saaliq, Gill, and Ahmed contributed to this Associated Press report*
Worth Reading
- India and Pakistan hit breaking point over disputed Kashmir
- India implicates Pakistan in deadly Kashmir attack, suspends key water treaty
- Gunmen kill at least 26 tourists at Kashmir resort
- The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir have led to a diplomatic standoff, with both countries expelling diplomats, canceling visas, and closing borders.
- The government has issued travel advisories urging citizens to avoid traveling to Pakistan, while Pakistan has responded by closing airspace and border crossings.
- In the latest developments, India has withdrawn from the Indus Waters Treaty, while Pakistan has ceased adherence to the Shimla Agreement and curbed trade.
- Deliberations between the two nations seem to have stalled, with both India and Pakistan seemingly entrenched in their positions, exacerbated by the Pahalgam massacre and ongoing skirmishes along the Line of Control.
- Overnight, there have been reports of violence and war-and-conflicts between India and Pakistan, spilling over into general news and crime-and-justice headlines on television.
- The Kashmiri conflict sees victims from various communities, as recent events showcased, including the brutal execution of a Hindu man by terrorists, and the death of a Nepalese citizen and a local Muslim pony ride operator.
