Fri May 09 08:10:00 UTC 2025: ## India and Pakistan Engaged in Widest Military Conflict in Decades
**Islamabad/New Delhi, May 9** – India and Pakistan are locked in their most extensive military conflict in decades, with widespread reports of cross-border attacks far beyond their disputed Kashmir border. The escalation follows Indian airstrikes on Wednesday targeting Pakistani territory, prompting retaliatory actions from Pakistan.
Overnight into Friday, intense fighting and shelling continued along the border. India reported drone and missile attacks on several cities, including Jaisalmer and Amritsar, claiming to have successfully repelled them. Pakistan denied these claims. Conversely, Pakistan is accused of attacking the Indian city of Jammu, part of the disputed Kashmir region. Both sides reported civilian casualties.
This conflict marks a new chapter in the longstanding rivalry, with drones playing a significantly larger role than in previous engagements. The situation is further complicated by a deluge of conflicting information and government propaganda from both sides. India and Pakistan have restricted each other’s news sources, exacerbating the information blackout. X (formerly Twitter) confirmed reluctantly complying with an Indian order to block thousands of accounts, including foreign news channels.
The escalating conflict has caused widespread disruption. Millions of schoolchildren are staying home due to safety concerns, with schools closing in both Punjab Province (Pakistan) and Punjab state (India). At least 24 airports in northern India remain closed, affecting global air travel. Flight routes have been diverted, adding significant delays. Stock markets in both countries have plummeted. Cricket matches in both countries have been postponed or moved due to safety concerns.
The border district of Poonch, in Indian-administered Kashmir, has been particularly hard hit, with reports of intense shelling causing numerous casualties. Residents describe the shelling as heavier than on the initial night of attacks.
Amid the heightened tensions, there was a brief window for de-escalation following the initial clash. Both sides could potentially claim victory from the first day’s events, with India striking deeper into Pakistan than in decades and Pakistan allegedly shooting down Indian aircraft. However, the current situation shows this window closing as the conflict intensifies and spreads.
The conflict’s intensification highlights the changing geopolitical landscape of the region. India’s increased military cooperation with the US and Western powers contrasts with Pakistan’s growing reliance on China for military supplies, injecting superpower politics into the conflict. The US expressed concerns, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging de-escalation. China, meanwhile, has publicly voiced support for Pakistan. The potential for further escalation remains high, particularly given the involvement of nuclear-armed nations and the historical tendency for miscalculations and unintended consequences. The situation is being closely monitored by the international community.
First Piper 