Updates on India-Pakistan conflict

It’s all happening between India and Pakistan at the moment, risking a full-fledged war if both nuclear-armed sides do not exercise restraint.

On Thursday, India accused Pakistan of midnight launching of drones and missiles on three military bases in Jammu and Udhampur in Indian-administered Kashmir, and Pathankot in India’s Punjab after Tuesday’s early hours strikes. 

The Indian defence forces carried out a coordinated effort across the international border in Muridke, Sialkot and Bahawalpur and the line of control (LoC) in Kotli and Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

However, Pakistan denies the midnight attacks.

The Indian army said it activated defence systems in Jammu late Thursday evening, followed by blackouts and internet shutdown in the region.

On the other hand, Pakistan said it had shot down 77 Indian drones in various places, including in mainland cities Lahore and Karachi, which India has yet to comment on. While the Indian army claimed drone attacks from the other side as well.

Pakistan claims 31 people have been killed and 57 injured by Indian airstrikes in the mainland and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and firing along the LoC, since Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, India claims that at least 16 civilians and one Indian army soldier were killed by Pakistani shelling on its side of the LoC.

On Thursday, the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, held in Dharamshala in northern Himachal Pradesh state, was called off mid-game. A blackout was reported in the stadium. Similarly, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings, scheduled in Rawalpindi—Islamabad’s twin city—was cancelled before a ball was bowled.

On Friday, the BCCI paused the IPL for a week, effective immediately, and decisions would be taken after a comprehensive assessment of the developing conflict, while the PCB decided to shift the remaining PSL matches to the United Arab Emirates.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Al Jazeera that while Islamabad seeks de-escalation, Indian aggression—including drone strikes and 78 warplane incursions—has made confrontation “imminent”.

India seeks de-escalation too, however, it adheres to responding to Pakistan’s attacks. “Our intention has not been to escalate matters. We are only responding to the original escalations,” said Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Meanwhile, India has called off civilian flights at 24 airports located in the north and west states bordering Pakistan. In Pakistan, civil aviation is functional with limited restrictions placed on Islamabad-Lahore routes.

However, unverified exorbitant claims and misinformation flowing on news channels and social media platforms are likely to further charge the already high nationalistic fervour, preventing the both neighbours from exercising de-escalation measures.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump of the United States called the conflict “shameful” and offered to broker peace dialogues. However, Vice President JD Vance said the US would not intervene in the conflict, calling it “fundamentally none of our business,” while emphasising de-escalation.

China on the other hand called India’s Tuesday move regrettable, while stating “China opposes all forms of terrorism,” and urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint.

The European Union (EU) called on both parties “to exercise restraint, to de-escalate tensions and desist from further attacks to safeguard civilian lives on both sides,” condemning the Pahalgam terror attack.

Nepal expressed solidarity against all forms of terrorism, recalling the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed at least 26 civilians, including a Nepali. Issuing a press release, Kathmandu hoped for conflict de-escalation and affirmed its commitment to lasting peace and stability in the region.