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The situation between Pakistan and India has grown increasingly tense over the past eight days, following the Pahalgam incident in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK).
Within minutes of the attack, Indian officials and media outlets blamed Pakistan, igniting a rapid escalation of allegations, ceasefire violations, and retaliatory rhetoric from both sides.
Since then, diplomatic channels have been activated, borders have witnessed military activity, and international stakeholders — including the United States — have expressed concern, urging restraint and dialogue.
The Pakistan Army has declared full preparedness, while India’s aggressive posturing continues to raise alarms regionally.
As the region watches closely, Times of Karachi brings you Live updates, official statements, international reactions, and developments from both countries amid the ongoing escalation.
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Pakistan bans Indian songs on FM Radio
Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) took a firm decision and banned Indian songs on FM radio in response to growing national tensions with India.
The Ministry commended the move, calling it a “principled decision” that upholds national dignity and mirrors the public’s sentiment.
Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar termed it a “patriotic gesture” and appreciated the PBA for acting independently in the interest of national values.
“This decision reflects our unity and respect for sovereignty during testing times,” Tarar said, applauding all media stakeholders who continue to promote peace, unity, and patriotism across platforms.
The PBA’s initiative comes amid a broader wave of national sentiment in Pakistan, following strained diplomatic ties and rising security concerns after the April 22 Pahalgam incident.
The Ministry assured that it stands with all broadcasters who choose to serve the country’s interest by aligning their content with national priorities.
8:18 pm -
Karachi kids returned from India receiving treatment at NICVD
Two heart patients, nine-year-old Mansa and seven-year-old Abdullah, who returned from India without treatment, were admitted to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) in Karachi for urgent care.
The children returned from India without treatment after their scheduled surgeries in India were cancelled due to visa and diplomatic issues.
Their father, Shahid Ali, confirmed that their operations were planned for April 29, but they had to come back without receiving medical help from the neighboring country.
Medical examinations are underway, and according to the Federal Health Ministry, both children will now be treated in Pakistan on the orders of Health Minister Mustafa Kamal.
Shahid Ali urged the government to speed up treatment and provide travel support, stating that delays have worsened the children’s heart conditions.
“We went to India because we had no option here. I’m still not sure they’ll get the needed surgery in Pakistan,” he said.
7:51 pm -
Any military misadventure by India will be met with a swift response: COAS
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), visited the Tilla Field Firing Ranges (TFFR) to witness Exercise Hammer Strike, a high-intensity field training exercise conducted by the Pakistan Army’s Mangla Strike Corps.
Addressing the troops, the COAS reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to protect its sovereignty. “Any military misadventure by India will be met with a swift, resolute response,” he stated, reinforcing the Army’s readiness to safeguard national interests while maintaining a commitment to regional peace.
Exercise Hammer Strike stands as a testament to Pakistan Army’s ongoing transformation through rigorous training and technological modernization, with senior military leadership and formation commanders also attending the event.
7:31 pm -
China backs Pakistan, vows full support to achieve regional stability
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong met with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the PM House, affirming China’s commitment to assist Pakistan in securing peace and stability in South Asia.
During the meeting, Ambassador Zaidong thanked PM Sharif for sharing Pakistan’s perspective regarding India’s baseless propaganda and unilateral actions, which have escalated tensions in the region.
PM Shehbaz conveyed his best wishes to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, expressing gratitude for China’s unwavering support.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also thanked China for its understanding of Pakistan’s position on India’s actions since April 22, 2025.
A key point of discussion was China’s endorsement of Pakistan’s call for a credible, neutral, and transparent international investigation into the Pahalgam incident.
7:23 pm -
Bilawal calls for international intervention
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has urged the international community to intervene in the escalating tensions between Pakistan and India to avoid a potential conflict.
Bilawal reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to respond to any aggression, asserting that the nation’s armed forces, including the air force and navy, are fully equipped and prepared. He underscored that Pakistan’s military capabilities are sufficient to counter any threat from India.
While acknowledging the historic tensions and wars between the two nuclear-armed nations, Bilawal called for calm and urged that “common sense prevail” to avoid further escalation.
He also demanded a transparent, impartial investigation into the deadly Pahalgam attack, which has significantly heightened the tensions.
Bilawal warned that failure to de-escalate could result in a limited military clash, potentially involving air forces or other military sectors, which could spiral into a full-scale war.
“These countries are nuclear powers, and we must pray that a nuclear conflict is avoided,” he stated, expressing deep concern about the severe consequences of such an event.
6:51 pm -
Pakistan Air Force ready to respond to any aggression
The Pakistan Air Force is fully prepaired to deliver a powerful response to any external threat, according to a statement released by state media.
Armed with the latest fighter jets and supported by a strong reputation for technical skill, the PAF reaffirmed its resolve to defend the nation’s sovereignty under any circumstances.
The message comes amid rising regional tensions and highlights Pakistan’s stance on maintaining full military readiness against possible aggression.
6:33 pm -
India’s independent investigation refusal is concerning, says ex-US adviser
India’s independent investigation refusal is a matter of concern, said former adviser to US President, Laurie A. Watkins, calling New Delhi’s actions after the Pahalgam incident “politically motivated and concerning”.
In an interview with Dunya News, Watkins criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for exploiting the April 22 tragedy for political gain.
She noted India’s refusal to allow an independent investigation into the attack, which left 26 dead, raises global concern.
“Despite offering no proof against Pakistan, India suspended diplomacy and revoked the Indus Waters Treaty,” she added.
Watkins appreciated Russia and China’s diplomatic efforts, contrasting them with what she called the US’s “lackluster” role in defusing the crisis. “Had the US engaged like China, tensions may have eased,” she said.
She also took aim at President Trump’s economic policies and Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s vague diplomacy, urging the US to share intelligence that could enable a neutral inquiry.
6:19 pm -
India deploys jammers targeting Pakistani aircraft systems
India deploys jammers targeting Pakistani aircraft, escalating its response after the Pahalgam attack in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK).
Indian defence sources claim the advanced jamming systems disrupt GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou – satellites used by Pakistan’s military for navigation and targeting.
“These jammers can impair the strike accuracy of incoming aircraft, degrading combat performance,” said a senior official familiar with the systems.
This move coincides with India’s new airspace restriction for Pakistani-registered aircraft from May 1 to May 23, as outlined in a NOTAM issued April 30.
Pakistan has not officially responded, but military analysts warn jamming GNSS could cripple Pakistan Air Force’s precision munitions and flight navigation.
6:09 pm -
Over 1,000 schools in Kashmir temporarily closed
Tensions along the India-Pakistan border have escalated to a critical point, prompting Pakistan to take precautionary measures. Over 1,000 schools in Kashmir have been temporarily closed due to a potential Indian attack.
The move follows a deadly assault in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, with India blaming Pakistan and giving its military full operational freedom to respond.
Pakistan denies involvement and claims it has credible evidence India is planning a military strike within 24 to 36 hours.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said any Indian aggression would be met with a strong response from Pakistan.
In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, authorities have announced a 10-day closure of all madrassas due to the increasing risk of conflict.
Residents near the Line of Control are also preparing mud-walled underground bunkers, some reinforced with concrete, in case of cross-border violence.
5:53 pm -
Wife of BSF Jawan in Pakistan custody returned to Kolkata
The pregnant wife of BSF jawan in Pakistan custody has returned to Kolkata after being assured that her husband is safe and likely to return soon, as reported by Times of India.
Rajani Shaw had travelled from Rishra to Pathankot, searching for answers about her husband, Purnam Kumar Shaw, who accidentally crossed the border last Wednesday and was arrested by Pakistan forces.
After meeting the commanding officer in Firozpur, she was told that talks with Pakistan Rangers were ongoing and progress was expected soon.
“The officer said my husband is safe and may be back soon,” she told Indian media before boarding her flight from Amritsar to Kolkata.
5:45 pm -
Leaked documents exposed India's RAW in Pahalgam attack
Leaked documents have allegedly exposed RAW Pahalgam false flag tactics, revealing India’s pre-planned strategy to blame Pakistan for last week’s deadly attack.
According to Pro Pakistani, the secret document titled “Psy Ops and Narrative Control” was shared via Telegram and outlined instructions for media timing, fake evidence, and digital misinformation.
The leak also suggested internal dissent within RAW, possibly from officers opposing Hindutva ideology, triggered the document’s release.
5:27 pm -
Asaduddin Owaisi urges Indian govt to act boldly against Pakistan
The chief of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Asaduddin Owaisi has launched a fiery statement against Pakistan, urging the Indian government to take direct action following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Owaisi said if the BJP claims “ghar me ghus ke maarenge” (we’ll strike inside their home), then this time “ghar me ghus kar baith jaana” (go in and stay inside) should be the move.
Referring to reports that the Pakistani Army has vacated check posts, Owaisi suggested the Indian Army should occupy them immediately.
He also reminded the Parliament of its resolution that Kashmir belongs to India, urging all parties to unite in rooting out terrorism.
4:59 pm -
36 arrested in India for social media posts
The Indian police have arrested 36 people, including a sitting MLA of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), for allegedly posting pro-Pakistan posts on social media, as reported by NDTV.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the arrests on Thursday from Assam – an Indian state, labeling the individuals as “anti-nationals” who threatened India’s unity.
According to the Indian police officials, the arrests came after monitoring online platforms for content considered supportive of Pakistan amid rising India-Pakistan tensions.
Among those detained is an Indian MLA whose identity has not been disclosed officially. The Chief Minister emphasized that no one is above the law in matters of national security.
4:44 pm#Update on Crackdown against traitors for defending Pakistan on Indian soil- 21.30hrs | 30.04
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 30, 2025
1️⃣Najibul Islam arrested by @bongaigaonpolic
2️⃣Sanaj Hussain arrested by @sribhumipolice
Total 36 Anti Nationals put behind bars in Assam.
We are strictly monitoring all mediums. pic.twitter.com/R6FlULyTQn -
Pakistan restrict Karachi, Lahore airspace
Pakistan’s aviation authorities have issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) announcing the temporary closure of specific airspace sectors in the Karachi and Lahore Flight Information Regions (FIRs) for one month.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) confirmed that the closures, effective May 1 to May 31 between 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM daily, are being implemented for security reasons.
However, commercial flights will not be suspended, and alternative routes will be managed by air traffic control to maintain operations.
Authorities assure that flight schedules will remain largely unaffected, and the flying public is unlikely to experience major disruptions.
4:15 pm -
Children taught emergency drills amid rising tensions in Kashmir
Schools in Kashmir are being converted into first aid training camps for children, preparing them for a possible war with India, as reported by Dawn News.
Wearing helmets and safety vests, children like 13-year-old Konain Bibi are learning how to evacuate buildings, use stretchers, and give first aid. “With India threatening us, we’ll all have to support each other,” she said.
The government launched these sessions after warning of “credible intelligence” suggesting India may carry out a military strike.
More than 6,000 educational institutions lie in the region, including nearly 1,200 along the Line of Control (LoC), the tense de facto border. Civil Defence officials say 13 schools in Muzaffarabad have already conducted training.
“In emergencies, schools are the first to be affected,” said trainer Abdul Basit Moughal. “So we start with the children.”
4:00 pm -
Music has no varriers or religion, says Kavita Krishnamurthy
Veteran playback singer Kavita Krishnamurthy has spoken out amid the noise for a complete ban on Pakistani artistes in India following the Pahalgam terror attack.
The award-winning singer said music has no religion, no boundaries, and is purely based on talent. “If an artist is very good and popular, you have to applaud them,” she told Indian reporters in an interview.
However, she acknowledged the presence of strong talent within India too. “At the same time, there is enough talent in India also. You should track and give Indian artists their opportunities,” she added.
Krishnamurthy’s remarks come at a time when the entertainment industry faces fresh pressure over cross-border collaborations, as bilateral relations remain strained.2:00 pm -
Arshad Nadeem’s Instagram blocked in India
Pakistani Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem’s Instagram account has been blocked in India following a legal request linked to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Indian users trying to visit Nadeem’s profile now receive a message stating the account is “not available in India” due to a legal compliance notice.
The move is seen as part of broader digital restrictions imposed on Pakistani public figures and celebrities amid rising India-Pakistan tensions.
Nadeem, a celebrated javelin thrower, has not issued any public response to the restriction. Instagram has also not released any specific reasoning beyond legal compliance.
This action follows similar blocks of Pakistani artists’ accounts as cross-border relations continue to deteriorate post-Pahalgam incident.
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