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Pakistan India Live Updates:
- Pakistan Army has destroyed an Indian military headquarters in the Pando sector in response to unprovoked firing, according to PTV News.
- A top French newspaper, Le Monde, has reported that the destruction of Indian fighter jets, including a Rafale, by Pakistan is a major embarrassment and setback for the Indian Air Force.
- Pakistan used its Chinese-made J-10 fighter jets to shoot down at least two Indian military aircraft, according to a Reuters report citing two senior US officials.
- Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has rejected Indian claims regarding the downing of Pakistan Air Force’s F-16 and JF-17 fighter jets, calling them “baseless and false.”
- The Aurat March in Karachi, set for May 11, was postponed due to safety concerns, organizers confirmed.
- An IPL match in Dharamshala was halted due to security threats.
- A senior US official has confirmed that American intelligence believes Pakistani forces shot down at least one Indian Air Force jet during recent cross-border strikes.
- DG ISPR stated that Pakistan shot down 29 Indian drones.
- Pakistan denied conducting attacks inside India’s Punjab and Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoJK).
- Karachi Airport suspended flight operations temporarily in response to the developing security threats.
- Defence Minister warned that hardly any space remains for de-escalation, highlighting the risk of full-scale conflict.
- Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb urged citizens to beware of fake news, emphasizing verified sources.
- Reports suggest that a French-made Rafale jet suffered its first combat loss, possibly impacting future defense deals.
- The British Council cancelled all exams across Punjab, citing safety concerns amid growing cross-border hostilities.
- The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) postponed the Zalmi vs Kings match in Rawalpindi due to the security situation.
- Indian PM Narendra Modi issued his first remarks, calling for continued alertness amid the military standoff.
- Pakistan’s government vowed revenge for martyrs killed in Indian drone attacks, promising a strong response.
- In retaliation, Pakistan reportedly killed 50 Indian soldiers along the Line of Control (LoC), according to Minister Atta Tarar.
- A drone crashed near Rawalpindi cricket stadium, raising alarm and prompting immediate investigation by local authorities.
- India confirmed drone strikes targeting Pakistani Air Defense systems, CNN reported, further intensifying regional tensions.
- Pakistan claims to have shot down 25 Indian Harop drones, accusing India of unprovoked aerial aggression.
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Thank you for joining us. We are wrapping up this Live blog coverage now.
You can continue to follow our coverage on the conflict by clicking here and our social media here.
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Major international media authenticate Pakistan's Rafale kill
On the night of May 6-7, an intense aerial clash erupted between India and Pakistan, marking what CNN called the longest dogfight in their military history.
The battle involved 125 fighter jets and lasted over an hour, with both air forces remaining inside their respective airspaces.
International media is closely tracking the rising India-Pakistan conflict, with France’s top newspaper Le Monde describing the loss of Indian Rafale jets to Pakistani forces as a “major embarrassment” and a “strategic setback” for New Delhi.
12:49 am -
Pakistan Army destroys Indian HQ in Pando Sector retaliation
Pakistan Army has destroyed an Indian military headquarters in the Pando sector in response to unprovoked firing, according to PTV News.
The retaliatory action was aimed at the Indian battalion’s headquarters located in the Nangatuk area.
According to PTV News, the Indian post suffered heavy damage due to precise shelling by Pakistani forces. They added that the enemy has faced significant losses in earlier exchanges as well.
12:07 am -
Rafale jet loss a blow to India, says French newspaper
A top French newspaper, Le Monde, has reported that the destruction of Indian fighter jets, including a Rafale, by Pakistan is a major embarrassment and setback for the Indian Air Force.
The report criticized India’s recent military operation in Pakistan, calling it poorly planned and exposing serious weaknesses.
The newspaper report stated that India has admitted to losing at least three fighter jets, with one of them confirmed as a French-made Rafale.
Indian security sources reportedly told a French news agency about the incident.
Le Monde noted that India bought 36 Rafale jets from France in 2016 for €8 billion to improve its air capabilities. However, a report by India’s Auditor General in December 2024 had already raised concerns about technical issues and pilot training within the Indian Air Force.
The newspaper further stated that the Pakistani Air Force has more combat experience due to its long involvement in counter-terrorism operations and has advanced Chinese and French-made jets in its fleet.
According to Le Monde, Indian authorities tried to suppress news of the jet losses.
Defence experts stated that international media coverage of the incident has embarrassed the Modi government and raised global doubts about India’s military claims.
11:03 pm -
Pakistan's J-10 jets downed two Indian Aircraft, Reuters
Pakistan used its Chinese-made J-10 fighter jets to shoot down at least two Indian military aircraft, according to a Reuters report citing two senior US officials.
Speaking anonymously, one official said there was “high confidence” that Pakistan deployed air-to-air missiles from J-10 jets during the encounter.
Another official confirmed that one of the downed aircraft was a French-made Rafale fighter jet used by the Indian Air Force.
India has yet to acknowledge the loss of any aircraft and maintains that it successfully targeted “terrorist” infrastructure inside Pakistan during recent strikes.
10:14 pm -
India’s claim of shooting down Pakistani jet are false, baseless: Tarar
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has rejected Indian claims regarding the downing of Pakistan Air Force’s F-16 and JF-17 fighter jets, calling them “baseless and false.”
In an official statement, Tarar said, “You will not find false and fabricated stories anywhere from Pakistan’s side.” He asserted that such accusations are rooted in “India’s frustration” amid rising regional tensions.
Tarar emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to truth and transparency, while India continues to circulate unverified and misleading narratives.
9:57 pmAbsurd and false claims being made by India about shooting down an F16 and JF17 fighter jets. Fake and concocted stories will get you nowhere. Such false claims only reflect your desperation. Denied and rejected.
— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) May 8, 2025 -
Aurat march Karachi postponed amid war-like tensions
The annual Aurat March Karachi, scheduled for May 11, has been postponed due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, organisers confirmed.
9:14 pm -
IPL match halted in Dharamshala due to security concerns
The match between Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings has been halted in Dharamshala due to security concerns, with an evacuation underway at Dharamshala Cricket Ground and a blackout declared.
8:50 pm -
Pakistan denies attack on IoJK
Loud explosions were heard in Jammu city of Indian-administered Kashmir, an Indian Army spokesperson confirmed to CNN.
The officer stated, “We don’t have any more details. At this point, we are trying to ascertain the situation. A blackout is in place.”
Former Jammu and Kashmir police chief Shesh Paul Vaid posted on X that the sounds resembled “bombing, shelling, or missile strikes.” He also confirmed a communication blackout was underway in the region.
Speculation has intensified as the blasts occurred amid high tension between India and Pakistan. However, the Pakistan Army has denied any involvement in the incident.
Pakistan have strongly denied Indian reports of an attack on occupied Kashmir, calling them “fake and untrue.” The reports, widely shared by Indian outlets, claim Pakistani involvement in recent explosions in the region.
According to media reports, the motive behind spreading such misinformation is to create a false impression that Pakistan is also launching attacks. “This narrative aims to justify India’s continued aggression under the cover of retaliation,” a report stated.
8:39 pm -
US confirms that Pakistan shot down an Indian jet, CNN
A senior US official has confirmed that American intelligence believes Pakistani forces shot down at least one Indian Air Force jet during recent cross-border strikes.
The assessment follows India’s air strikes inside Pakistan’s territory, which heightened tensions between the two nuclear neighbors.
While the US has not verified the specific weapons system Pakistan used to down the aircraft, it acknowledges the incident took place during active military operations.
Pakistan claimed it shot down five Indian fighter jets, including three advanced Rafale aircraft. India has not yet officially responded to these claims.
8:35 pm -
Pakistan strike down 29 Indian drones, says DG ISPR
Pakistan shot down 29 Indian drones amid rising cross-border tensions, while strongly denying any offensive action inside Indian territory.
The statement came during a joint press briefing by DG ISPR Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
According to the DG ISPR, India launched four projectiles, one of which struck Dingga in Pakistan, while the remaining three fell within Indian territory.
He alleged India was attempting to stage an attack by targeting its own military sites in Amritsar and falsely blaming Pakistan.
“When Pakistan strikes, the world will know. There will be no report needed from Indian media,” Chaudhry said.
The Pakistani military spokesperson confirmed that three civilians were killed and four personnel injured in Indian drone strikes. He dismissed Indian claims of Pakistani attacks on 15 locations as “pure propaganda.”
“This is the 21st century – everything is traceable. You can’t fabricate events like it’s a movie,” he said, criticizing India’s alleged misinformation campaign.
Pakistan is now conducting forensic analysis of the downed drones and is closely monitoring developments across the border.
“India must step out of its cinema-mode mindset and accept reality,” he said, urging international observers to rely on facts, not fiction.
7:45 pm -
Pakistan denies attack in India's Punjab
Pakistan has denied carrying out any attack on civilians in Indian Punjab amid rising tensions with India.
In a joint press conference, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and DG ISPR Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan has acted with strategic restraint. “As a responsible nation, we have not attacked civilians across the border,” Dar stated.
The officials claimed that Indian drones violated Pakistani airspace and attempted to strike a military site in Lahore. Pakistan’s armed forces responded by downing five Indian warplanes, Dar added.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan reserves the right to respond to Indian aggression at a time and place of its choosing. “Our army, navy, and air force are fully alert. Any further adventure will meet a decisive response,” he warned.
Foreign Minister Dar reiterated Pakistan’s desire for peace but stressed the nation’s preparedness to defend its sovereignty. Officials said no Pakistani strike targeted civilians, countering claims from Indian media.
7:09 pm -
Flight operations at Karachi Airport suspended
Karachi Airport has been closed for flight operations till 12 midnight, according to a fresh NOTAM issued by aviation authorities.
The NOTAM confirms that the airport’s closure period has been extended by six more hours due to ongoing operational reasons.
Earlier, landing and take-off at the airport were suspended at 11 am.
According to airport officials, several international flights have been affected. Qatar Airways, Jazira Air, Air Arabia, and Fly Dubai aircraft have been waiting on the ground for more than 10 hours.
In total, 43 flights from Karachi have been cancelled, while 65 others face uncertainty, creating severe inconvenience for passengers stuck at the terminal.
6:50 pm -
Hardly any space left to de-escalate, says Defence Minister
Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that there is “hardly any space left to de-escalate” as the conflict with India enters what he called “a blind alley.”
Speaking to Reuters, Asif stated that the United States is leading mediation efforts, but warned that continued Indian drone strikes have made a Pakistani response increasingly certain.
“India’s actions are pushing the region toward direct confrontation,” he said. “Pakistan will target Indian military installations if provoked further.”
6:34 pm -
Marriyum Aurangzeb urges public to beware of fake news
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has issued a public advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant against false news and misinformation circulating on social media amid rising Pakistan-India tensions.
Addressing the issue, Aurangzeb warned, “Avoid spreading unverified news from unknown sources. Rely only on official updates from ISPR, the Ministry of Information, DGPR, Deputy Commissioners, and their verified social media accounts.”
She emphasized the importance of referring to state broadcasters like PTV and other official media channels for accurate information during this sensitive time.
“There is an alarming rise in fake posts and doctored videos regarding the Pakistan-India situation. Such misinformation can cause panic and confusion,” she stated.
Marriyum Aurangzeb also clarified that no public emergency notification has been issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore, countering a wave of false claims shared online.
She concluded by advising the public: “Do not believe or forward viral content unless it is officially confirmed.”
5:43 pm -
‘First combat loss of French-made Rafale may hurt its future deals’
The reported downing of Rafale fighter jets by Pakistan marks what could be the first combat loss of the French-made aircraft – posing a serious blow to its reputation and potential future sales, according to TRT World report.
5:32 pm -
British Council cancels exams across Punjab
The British Council has cancelled all scheduled afternoon examinations in Lahore due to increased security threats amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan.
The cancelled exams include GCE, IGCSE, IELTS, and University of London assessments, which were due to be held during the PM session across various centres in the city.
In a statement posted on social media, the British Council said the cancellations were made in coordination with relevant examination boards to “prioritise the safety and security of candidates.”
Students have been urged to stay in close contact with their schools for further updates. Meanwhile, private candidates are advised to reach out to the British Council’s Customer Services for guidance.
Although the council has not yet confirmed if or when the exams will be rescheduled, it assured that all official updates would be provided only via verified channels.
5:30 pm -
PCB Postpone Zalmi vs Kings match in Rawalpindi
The HBL PSL X match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings scheduled for tonight has been postponed. PCB will announce the new date in due course.
5:23 pm -
Modi urges ‘Continued Alertness’ in first remarks on crisis
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has broken his silence on the recent India-Pakistan escalation, calling for “continued alertness” and “clear communication” during a high-level meeting with ministers on Thursday, according to CNN.
Chairing the emergency session, Modi emphasized the need for strong internal coordination, strategic communication, and national resilience as tensions with Pakistan remain high. These were the Prime Minister’s first public remarks since the cross-border hostilities intensified.
“Our response must be swift, but our internal unity and discipline must remain unwavering,” Modi told top officials, according to sources briefed on the meeting.
The call for vigilance comes as Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh informed political leaders that India’s military operation against selected targets inside Pakistan “remains ongoing.” Singh did not provide further details, but reiterated India’s commitment to safeguarding national security and preventing cross-border threats.
India’s armed forces remain on high alert, while major cities including New Delhi and Mumbai have tightened security.
The situation follows a series of drone strikes, airspace disruptions, and mutual claims of military losses between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
4:51 pm -
Pakistan vows revenge for martyrs of Indian drone attacks
Pakistan has pledged a firm and full-scale response to India’s recent drone attacks, vowing revenge for civilians martyred in the strikes. The declaration came after a high-level security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.
The meeting, attended by top military and intelligence officials, included a comprehensive briefing on the latest cross-border aggression by India, Pakistan’s defensive response, and the evolving regional situation.
Officials confirmed that Pakistan had shot down 25 Israeli-made Indian drones recently.
According to media reports, participants unanimously agreed on continuing counter-offensives to deter further violations.
“Every drop of blood will be avenged,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office emphasized.
Addressing the meeting, PM Shehbaz Sharif said, “The nation stands shoulder to shoulder with our armed forces. We take pride in our defenders, who have proven Pakistan’s capability by downing enemy drones and jets.” He reaffirmed that Pakistan desires peace, but not at the cost of its dignity and sovereignty.
“We are ready to deal with any situation. If India thinks it can intimidate Pakistan through force, it is gravely mistaken,” Sharif added.
4:30 pm -
Pakistan killed 50 Indian soldiers in retaliatory LoC strikes: Atta Tarar
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed in Parliament that Pakistan’s military response to recent Indian aggression killed between 40 and 50 Indian soldiers along the Line of Control (LoC).
Speaking during a National Assembly session, Tarar said India carried out its attack under the cover of darkness using advanced Rafale jets, but Pakistan’s defense forces were fully prepared and delivered a powerful counterstrike.
“The Indian pride has been shattered. Their planes didn’t just fall – their ego collapsed,” he stated.
He hailed the Pakistani Air Force as national heroes, saying, “We salute our falcons who destroyed India’s pride. This nation always stands united in the face of aggression.”
The minister also claimed that the market value of Rafale’s manufacturer had declined following the incident, with shares reportedly dropping by 18 percent. “Even the makers of Rafale jets are now questioning their effectiveness,” he added.
Tarar further revealed that Pakistan had shot down 25 Indian drones recently, using both jamming technology and air defense systems.
“We’ve kept the wreckage of these drones. They will serve as a reminder of our strength,” he noted.
While accusing India of targeting civilian areas like Solinabad, Tarar said Pakistan had deliberately avoided civilian targets. “Our response is firm, focused, and lawful,” he emphasized.
4:12 pm -
Drone crashes outside Rawalpindi cricket stadium
A young man injured in a drone crash near Rawalpindi’s Cricket Stadium and Food Street area has succumbed to his injuries, hospital officials confirmed Thursday.
The victim, who was critically wounded in the incident, was rushed to Benazir Bhutto Hospital for emergency treatment. Despite efforts by medical staff, he died during treatment.
Witnesses said the drone fell unexpectedly near a busy public area in which a civilian was injured.
4:04 pm -
India confirms strikes on Pakistani Air Defense systems, CNN
The Indian government confirmed on Thursday it had launched targeted strikes on Pakistani air defense systems in multiple locations, marking a major escalation in the ongoing military confrontation, according to CNN.
In an official statement reported by CNN, Indian authorities said the strikes were carried out early Thursday morning in response to Pakistan’s attempted missile and drone attacks on military targets in northern and western India overnight.
“This was a calibrated and defensive action to neutralize imminent threats posed by Pakistani air defense installations,” the statement read. It is the first time India has officially acknowledged targeting military infrastructure inside Pakistan.
The development comes amid mounting regional tensions following a series of deadly cross-border exchanges. No details were released on the specific sites targeted or any assessment of the damage inflicted.
New Delhi reiterated its stance that any further provocations would be met with “proportionate and necessary force.”
3:49 pm -
Pakistan shot down 25 Harop drones from India
At least 25 Harop drones from India have been shot down so far with the soft kill (technical) and hard kill (weapons) of the Pakistani army, according to the ISPR.
The incidents of drone shooting have been reported in various cities, including Karachi, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujarat, Umerkot, Daharki, Ghotki, Chakwal, Sialkot.
Four military personnel were injured when a drone crashed on Walton Road in Lahore, while one person was injured when a drone crashed near Rawalpindi Food Street.
12:17 am -
Trump tells India and Pakistan to 'stop' clashes
“I want to see them stop,” US President Donald Trump said at the White House, adding: “We get along with both countries very well, good relationships with both, and I want to see it stop. And if I can do anything to help, I will be there.”
11:59 pm -
Karachi on high alert amid escalating tensions with India
Authorities have placed Karachi on high alert following a sharp escalation in tensions with India after Pakistan reportedly shot down five Indian fighter jets in response to India’s airstrike on Pakistani territory.
11:44 pm -
PSL observe one-minute silence before match
Players from both sides stood in solemn silence ahead of today’s Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) match to pay tribute to the innocent civilians martyred in what Pakistani officials have called a “cowardly attack” by India.
A one-minute silence was observed at the stadium to honor the lives lost, followed by the playing of Pakistan’s national anthem.
11:30 pm -
BCCI may shift IPL match from Dharamsala amid Indo-Pak tensions
The IPL 2025 clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI), originally scheduled in Dharamsala on May 11, is likely to be relocated to Mumbai due to rising political tensions between India and Pakistan.
The development comes after the shutdown of Dharamsala airport, following India’s launch attack in Pakistan – a military response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 Indian lives.
According to a report by News18, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and franchise officials are considering either DY Patil Stadium or Brabourne Stadium as the alternate venue for the PBKS-MI encounter.
Mumbai Indians, who were scheduled to arrive in Dharamsala by May 8, are now planning alternate travel routes amid the uncertainty.
10:55 pm -
31 civilians martyred in Indian strikes, confirms DG ISPR
At least 31 innocent civilians were martyred and 57 others wounded in last night’s Indian strikes across Pakistani territory, confirmed Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry in a press briefing.
Addressing the media, Lt Gen Chaudhry condemned the Indian aggression as a “cowardly attack” that deliberately struck populated civilian areas under the cover of darkness.
“Instead of engaging our military directly, the enemy has chosen to strike unarmed civilians,” he said.
He added that India’s actions expose its desperation and mark a dangerous escalation. “When we made life impossible for its terrorist proxies, India resorted to state-sponsored violence against civilians,” he stated.
Labeling the attack as an act of terrorism, the DG ISPR questioned the silence of the international community.
“If targeting women and children isn’t terrorism, then what is?” he asked, reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to defend its people.
10:32 pm -
India will have to pay price for its blunder: PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a televised national address, condemned India’s recent missile attack as a “grave mistake” and warned that it “will not go unpunished.”
Sharif declared that India had miscalculated Pakistan’s resolve. “They thought we would retreat – but we are a brave nation, ready to defend our homeland till the last drop of blood,” he said.
Calling India’s late-night incursion a strategic error, the Prime Minister added, “India made a strategic miscalculation last night, and it will pay the price for its error.”
He praised the Pakistan Air Force’s powerful response, saying, “Our reply was crushing. It echoed the thunderous legacy of Squadron Leader M.M. Alam. India was brought to its knees within hours.”
Sharif further stated, “Our Shaheens unleashed such a storm that the enemy cried out in fear. The jets that India once flaunted now lie in ashes.”
10:16 pm -
France confirms Pakistan shot down Indian rafale jet
France has confirmed that Pakistan downed at least one Indian Rafale fighter jet during recent hostilities against India, marking the first-ever combat loss of the French-made aircraft, according to CNN.
A senior French intelligence official revealed to CNN that the Rafale was among the jets targeted during Pakistan’s defensive operations.
However, India has yet to acknowledge any losses, despite Pakistan’s claim of downing five Indian Air Force (IAF) jets.
9:30 pm -
PAF successfully repelled major Indian airstrike, says PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told parliament that Pakistan successfully repelled a major Indian airstrike late Tuesday night, describing the attack as “cowardly and unprovoked.”
Speaking during a special session, the premier said India launched missiles from within its airspace, deploying 80 fighter jets targeting six locations in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Bahawalpur, Shakargarh, Sialkot, and other areas.
“Despite their scale, our armed forces thwarted the aggression and shot down five jets, including India’s Rafale aircraft,” he said.
Director General ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that Pakistan’s forces also destroyed an Indian brigade headquarters and multiple checkposts along the Line of Control. “A combat drone was downed as well,” he added.
DG ISPR said India targeted Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Muridke, and Ahmedpur Sharqia in a deliberate missile strike aimed at civilian zones.
“This shameful act will not go unanswered. Pakistan’s air defense systems responded swiftly and ensured that no Indian aircraft entered Pakistani airspace.”
5:11 pm -
Sindh declares health emergency amid rising tensions
The Sindh government has declared a health emergency in all hospitals across the province following Indian air strikes, according to the provincial health department.
All staff leaves has been cancelled with immediate effect. Hospitals have been directed to maintain round-the-clock presence of medical personnel and activate emergency response protocols.
The health department emphasized the need to ensure the availability of ambulances, oxygen, IV fluids, and essential medicines.
Hospitals have been instructed to coordinate closely with Rescue 1122, district administrations, and law enforcement agencies.
4:23 pm -
NSC empowers military to respond to Indian aggression
The National Security Committee (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has granted Pakistan’s armed forces full authority to respond decisively to Indian aggression that claimed 26 civilian lives and injured 46 others.
In a strongly worded statement, the NSC condemned India’s cross-border strikes on Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Sialkot, Bahawalpur, and the Neelum–Jhelum Hydropower Project, calling the attacks “a blatant act of war” and a threat to regional peace.
The committee emphasized that these areas were civilian zones and dismissed India’s claim of targeting terror camps as false and misleading.
The forum held prayers (Fatiha) for the victims and reaffirmed Pakistan’s right to respond at a time and place of its choosing in accordance with international law.
The NSC noted that targeting civilian infrastructure and critical installations is a grave breach of international conventions. It declared Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity “non-negotiable.”
Pakistan’s military responded by shooting down five Indian fighter jets and one drone.
3:16 pm -
US Secretary Marco Rubio urges peace talks amid India-Pakistan conflict
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“I am monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan closely. I echo @POTUS’s comments earlier today that this hopefully ends quickly and will continue to engage both Indian and Pakistani leadership towards a peaceful resolution,” Rubio said.
The statement reflects Washington’s growing alarm as military actions continue between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The U.S. has urged both countries to avoid further escalation and maintain diplomatic engagement to prevent a wider conflict.
5:11 am -
Defence Minister says five Indian jets downed, soldiers captured
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in an interview with Bloomberg, stated that the Pakistan Air Force has shot down five Indian aircraft and captured multiple soldiers amid rising military tensions.
He further claimed that Pakistani forces have taken some Indian soldiers into custody, though no details were provided regarding the number or location of the captured personnel.
4:42 am -
Karachi airport evacuated
In a swift security move, Karachi Airport was evacuated with all passengers sent back from terminals and urgent announcements made directing people to vacate the premises immediately.
The evacuation comes amid heightened national security tensions, following earlier airspace closures at Lahore and Islamabad airports.
Officials have not released specific details but cited precautionary measures due to the escalating regional situation.
4:33 am -
What we know so far:
- India claims to have launched targeted strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in retaliation for last month’s deadly attack on tourists in India-administered Kashmir.
- According to Indian officials, nine locations were hit, though no Pakistani military sites were targeted.
- Pakistan’s military confirmed that three locations were struck and has vowed a strong response.
- In retaliation, the Indian army alleges that Pakistan fired artillery shells across the Line of Control (LoC).
- Eyewitnesses in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, near Muzaffarabad, reported several loud explosions. Footage from the area also captured blasts.
- Kashmir remains a longstanding flashpoint between India and Pakistan. Both countries claim the region in full but govern it in parts — a source of tension since Partition in 1947.
4:32 am -
Eight civilians martyred in Indian attack, says DG ISPR
At least eight innocent Pakistani civilians, including a three-year-old girl, were martyred in an Indian military attack, the military’s media wing confirmed.
Addressing a press briefing, DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that the attack also left 35 people injured, among them 25 men and six women, while two civilians remain missing.
4:22 am -
Pakistan shoots down third Indian fighter jet near Awantipora
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down another Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jet, bringing the total number of Indian aircraft downed to three.
Security officials confirmed that the latest jet was taken down 17 nautical miles southwest of Awantipora, with no damage sustained by Pakistani aircraft during the engagement.
The Pakistan military strongly dismissed Indian media claims of PAF losses as “fabricated and misleading,” accusing Indian outlets of spreading disinformation in a state of frenzy.
3:50 am -
Punjab shuts all schools amid rising security concerns
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered the closure of all educational institutions across the province tomorrow in response to heightened security concerns.
The directive is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of students, staff, and school premises amid escalating regional tensions.
“No compromise will be made on the safety of our children,” the Chief Minister’s Office stated, urging citizens to remain calm and cooperate with authorities.
3:37 am -
Pakistan condemns India’s aggression, vows strong response
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned India’s unprovoked air aggression, calling it a blatant violation of international law and Pakistan’s sovereignty.
According to the Foreign Office, the Indian Air Force targeted civilian areas in Muridke, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad using standoff weapons without crossing the international border or Line of Control.
The attack resulted in the martyrdom of civilians, including women and children, and posed a grave risk to commercial aviation routes in the region. Officials labeled the strike a flagrant breach of the UN Charter and norms of inter-state conduct.
The Ministry said India used the Pahalgam incident to advance a false narrative of victimhood, bringing the two nuclear-armed neighbors dangerously close to open conflict.
Pakistan stated it will respond “at a time and place of its choosing,” invoking Article 51 of the UN Charter to defend its territorial integrity. “The government, armed forces, and people of Pakistan remain united,” the statement added.
3:37 am -
Pakistan shoots down Indian drone in Sialkot Sector
Pakistan forces have shot down an Indian surveillance drone in the Dalowali sector near Sialkot.
3:21 am -
Pakistan shuts major airports amid escalating tensions with India
In response to escalating situation, Pakistan has temporarily closed Lahore and Islamabad airports, with incoming flights to Lahore, Sialkot, and Faisalabad either diverted or turned back.
Flights arrivals from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Dubai, and other countries have been rerouted as Pakistani airspace has been closed for overflying.
Authorities ordered the closure of airspace over key cities amid heightened military readiness and potential aerial threats. Flights were rerouted to safer locations as part of precautionary measures.
The Civil Aviation Authority has yet to confirm when normal operations will resume.
2:53 am -
PM convenes national security meeting
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has called an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) today at 10 am to discuss the escalating situation with India, Federal Information Minister confirmed.
The high-level session, to be held at the Prime Minister House, will include senior civilian and military leadership for consultations on the national security.
2:43 am -
US president Trump condemns Indian attack, says Pakistan has right to respond
U.S. President Donald Trump has strongly condemned India for attacking Pakistan, calling the move “a matter of shame.”
Trump criticized India’s military actions, asserted that Pakistan reserves the right to respond in defense of its people.
2:30 am -
Pakistan shot downs 2 Indian Jets in retaliation, media reports
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has shot down two Indian military aircraft in response to cross-border aggression by Indian forces, according to media reports.
The initial report highlighted that both enemy aircraft were intercepted and destroyed near the Line of Control as part of Pakistan’s immediate and calibrated military response, while all Pakistani aircraft are safe.
Security officials further stated that the Pakistan armed forces are delivering a “befitting and proportionate” response to India’s provocative missile strikes earlier today, which targeted civilian areas.
2:14 am -
India confirms strikes on nine sites inside Pakistan
India’s Ministry of Defense has officially confirmed conducting airstrikes on nine locations within Pakistani territory, in a significant escalation of cross-border hostilities.
The Indian defense ministry released a formal statement claiming that no Pakistani military installations were targeted in the operation. The ministry emphasized the nature of the strikes as “measured,” asserting they were carried out with specific objectives.
2:12 am -
Karachi Mayor Condemns Attack
Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab has strongly condemned the recent Indian attack on Pakistan, declaring that the people of Karachi stand shoulder to shoulder with the nation’s armed forces.
2:09 am -
Defence Minister Vows Response Stronger Than India’s Attack
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Pakistan will respond with greater force than the way India attacked, calling the incident a betrayal carried out from behind.
Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, the minister said that “the enemy attacked from behind” and made it clear that Pakistan is fully capable of answering any aggression with a stronger and more effective response.
“Our message is loud and clear: this will not go unanswered,” Asif added.
2:04 am
Editor at Times of Karachi
