On the night of 7th May 2025, India violated the international border of Pakistan by striking the cities of Bahawalpur, Sialkot (Kotli), and AJK’s Muzaffargarh. Their claim being that this attack was in response to the Pahalgam incident of 22nd April 2025, which was condemned by Pakistan’s leadership and, majorly, by civilians. However, the Indian leadership claims to have attacked “major terrorist sites” while remaining within their own airspace through 100 km-range missiles.
In response, Pakistan carried out a heavy military operation along the LOC and confirmed the destruction of five fighter jets, including Rafales, MiG-29s, and one Su-30 aircraft, all carrying the French-made MICA missiles, by the Pakistan Air Force. India has not confirmed its losses; however, three of the five crashed jets have been reported by ground sources in Akhnoor, Bawantipura, Bhatinda, and Srinagar.
The Pakistani side suffered the loss of civilian lives, with at least 26 deceased and 45 injured, primarily women and children. The Indian side confirmed at least six deaths, with further numbers expected. Pakistan’s sources claimed to have destroyed several checkposts, including Dhundial sector, Shahpur Dharmasal, and Chatri, in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, with pictorial evidence of several checkposts raising white flags. Pakistan also claims that India’s Srinagar airbase, along with their brigade headquarters, has been destroyed by missiles.
Pakistan states that it still retains the right to respond, as India targeted civilian areas. While a reply may seem fitting for the sake of national security, it brings into question the future of a region already fraught with high tensions. Both countries being nuclear powers—Pakistan following a first-strike nuclear policy due to the sheer size of its neighbouring states—makes the coming 2–3 weeks crucial. But the question arises: is this just a bilateral agreement to claim individual victories by both sides? India claims victory by attacking beyond border lines, while Pakistan claims victory by annihilating LOC regions.
Strategic Showdown or Political Theatre?
Is this a way to regain favour among the masses by the establishment of Pakistan, which unbanned Twitter on the night of 7th May after it had been previously banned for over a year due to anti-establishment sentiments among the people? Is this a way to solidify election votes and gain a popular swing by Modi? Nothing unites the people on both sides of the border like the threat of their neighbour.
Does de-escalation show that one side is weaker than the other, or does it prove that we are not the ones looking for mass casualties? Does Pakistan need to establish deterrence any further?
India has blamed the Pahalgam incident on Pakistan without proof or investigation, using this as fuel to the fire seems suspicious considering what may be brewing beneath the surface. Regardless of everything, we only pray for the protection of innocents on both sides of the border.