In a dramatic development that has reignited fears of open conflict in South Asia, reports have emerged of Indian air strikes allegedly targeting sites in Muzaffarabad and Bahawalpur, located within Pakistan-administered regions. Though neither New Delhi nor Islamabad has issued a comprehensive statement, confirmation from Pakistan’s military spokesperson suggests that the situation on the ground is far from routine.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) chief, Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif, acknowledged “unusual aerial activity” over the affected regions late into the night, with locals describing loud blasts and sightings of jets streaking across the sky. Panic spread across the cities, as residents feared a repeat of past military escalations. Though specifics remain unclear, the strikes are said to follow closely on the heels of a deadly terrorist incident in Pahalgam, an attack India has blamed on Pakistan-based groups.
Indian air strikes in major Pakistani cities after Pahalgam crisis
Indian media, citing unnamed defense sources, claim the operations were precise, aimed at what they described as “terror launchpads” responsible for the Pahalgam bloodshed. While these claims remain unverified, they have drawn swift attention from global powers, who are urging both sides to de-escalate immediately.
The strikes have cast a long shadow over already-fragile diplomatic ties, bringing back memories of the 2019 Balakot episode, when a similar Indian air raid across the Line of Control pushed both nuclear-armed nations to the edge of war.
This time, the stakes appear just as high, if not higher, with tensions boiling over after India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the recent Pahalgam carnage without furnishing public evidence. Pakistan, in response, has vehemently denied any involvement, condemned the accusations, and warned against any unilateral action.
