India and Pakistan have entered a dangerous phase of conflict, exchanging drones and missile attacks over the past two days. On Thursday, Pakistan accused India of launching multiple drone strikes, while India claimed its air defenses successfully intercepted Pakistani drones and missiles. Both nations, armed with nuclear weapons, now face mounting international pressure to de-escalate the situation.
Drone Warfare Intensifies
Pakistan’s military reported shooting down 25 Indian drones, including some over major cities like Karachi and Lahore. Military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that debris from the drones is being collected. One drone struck a military target near Lahore, injuring four Pakistani soldiers. Meanwhile, India accused Pakistan of targeting military installations in northern and western regions, which were “neutralized” by Indian air defenses.
The cross-border violence has resulted in significant civilian casualties on both sides. Pakistan reported 31 civilian deaths and 50 injuries, while India confirmed 13 deaths and 59 injuries. The economic impact has also been severe, with Pakistan’s stock market plunging 6.3% and its international bonds losing value. Indian markets also experienced volatility, with the Nifty 50 index dropping 0.58% during a turbulent trading session.
The rivalry between India and Pakistan dates back to their independence from Britain in 1947. The two nations have fought three wars, two of which were over the disputed Kashmir region. Both countries acquired nuclear weapons in the 1990s, further complicating the already volatile relationship.
Calls for Restraint
Global powers, including the United States, Russia, and China, have urged both nations to exercise restraint. The U.S. Consulate in Lahore advised its staff to shelter in place, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated that India does not seek escalation but warned of a “firm response” to any further attacks.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif hinted at inevitable retaliation, stating, “The situation has become very difficult. We have to respond.” On the other hand, India’s defense ministry accused Pakistan of intensifying cross-border firing in Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 16 Indian civilians, including women and children.
The conflict has sparked panic among civilians in border regions. Reports of blackout drills and panic buying in India’s Punjab state reflect growing fears of further escalation. Both nations have reportedly engaged in backchannel communications, but no concrete steps toward de-escalation have been announced.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely, fearing the potential for a larger conflict. With both nations unwilling to back down, the path to peace remains uncertain. The world hopes for diplomacy to prevail in one of the most dangerous nuclear flashpoints on the planet.
