Pakistan and India step up military strikes amid calls to de-escalate
Fears that the countries' nuclear arsenals might come into play spiked when the Pakistan military said a top military and civil body overseeing its nuclear weapons would meet, but the defence minister later said no such meeting was scheduled.
Officials from both sides showed a willingness for now to take a step back following the day's exchanges.
Pakistan's foreign minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, told local television that if India stops here, then 'we will consider to stop here'.
The Indian military said regarding Pakistan's military attacks on Saturday that 'all hostile actions have been effectively countered and responded to appropriately'.
G7 urges Pakistan, India dialogue, US offers help on 'constructive talks'
Analysts and diplomats have long feared that conflict between the rivals could escalate into the use of nuclear weapons, in one of the world's most dangerous and most populated nuclear flashpoint regions. Unlike Pakistan, India does not have a no-first-use doctrine.
Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif played down any immediate nuclear threat, calling it a 'very distant possibility'.
'We shouldn't even discuss it in the immediate context,' he told ARY TV. 'Before we get to that point, I think temperatures will come down. No meeting has happened of the National Command Authority, nor is any such meeting scheduled.'
Pakistan's information minister did not respond to a request for comment and the military said it had no immediate comment.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir and India's foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Saturday, urging both sides to de-escalate and 're-establish direct communication to avoid miscalculation'.
'India's approach has always been measured and responsible and remains so,' Jaishankar said on X after the call with Rubio.
Blasts heard in IIOJK's Srinagar, say official, Reuters witness, residents
Indian Wing Commander Vyomika Singh told a press conference India was responding to moves by Pakistani forces but would show restraint if Pakistan did so as well.
'The Pakistan military has been observed to be moving their troops into forward areas, indicating offensive intent to further escalate the situation,' she said.
'Indian armed forces remain in a high state of operational readiness. Indian armed forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is reciprocated by the Pakistan military.'
Strikes, counter-strikes
As tensions remain high, residents across Pakistan and India have rushed to stockpile food and other essential supplies, while families living near the border fled to safer areas. Indian authorities have installed sirens in high-rise buildings in New Delhi, some 650 kilometres (400 miles) from the border.
Pakistan early on Saturday said it had targeted multiple bases in India, including a missile storage site in India's north, in response to prior attacks by the Indian military.
US mission to Pakistan restricts all personnel movements, State Department says
India said there was limited damage to equipment and personnel at four air force stations. The military said there were several high-speed missile attacks on air bases in Punjab state and that India had responded to the attacks.
Blasts rang out across Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and the Sikh holy city of Amritsar in neighbouring Punjab until early morning on Saturday. Jammu streets were empty hours after loud blasts were heard and projectiles were seen flying across the city sky.
'Jammu city has never been hit before. Never thought we will be hit like this,' said 60-year-old Rajeev Gupta, whose brother was wounded by a shell.
Pakistan said that, before its offensive, India had fired missiles at three air bases, including one close to the capital, Islamabad, but Pakistani air defences intercepted most of them.
Locked in a longstanding dispute over Kashmir, the two countries have engaged in daily clashes since Wednesday.
China expresses concern, offers help to resolve Pakistan, India conflict
Pakistan's information minister said in a post on X that Saturday's military operation was named 'Operation Bunyanun Marsoos'. The term is taken from the Holy Quran and means a firm, united structure.
Despite growing Western calls for peace, defence experts said the opposite seemed to be happening.
'Operations moving to next level - free use of missiles and drones by both sides,' said Pravin Sawhney, a defence author and former Indian Army officer. 'And reports that Pakistan Army is moving troops forward. Not good indications of what lies ahead!'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
US HR report says India acts minimally
The US government noted abuses in India and Pakistan in a shortened human rights report released on Tuesday that said India "took minimal credible steps" to combat the abuses while Pakistan "rarely took credible steps". The Trump administration scaled back the annual US government report on human rights worldwide, dramatically softening criticism of some allies and countries that have been President Donald Trump's partners. The State Department human rights documentation for India and Pakistan was also much shorter and scaled back this year. India has been an important US partner in recent years in Washington's effort to counter China's rise, although relations have been tense over Trump's imposition of a 50% tariff on goods from India. Pakistan is a non-NATO US ally. About India, the report said: "The government took minimal credible steps or action to identify and punish officials who committed human rights abuses." On Pakistan, it added: "The government rarely took credible steps to identify and punish officials who committed human rights abuses." Indian and Pakistani embassies in Washington had no immediate comment on the report released on Tuesday, which documented instances in 2024. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch fault Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for its treatment of minorities. They point to rising hate speeches, a religion-based citizenship law the UN calls "fundamentally discriminatory," anti-conversion legislation that challenges freedom of belief, the 2019 removal of Muslim-majority Kashmir's special status, and the demolition of properties owned by Muslims. Modi denies discrimination and says his policies, such as food subsidy programs and electrification drives, benefit everyone. In Pakistan, Amnesty International says government authorities fail to protect minorities, including Christians, and use "excessive and unnecessary force" against civil society voices and protesters.
Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Independence Day, Ma‘raka-e-Haq: NA Speaker congratulates nation
ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has extended heartfelt congratulations to the nation on Independence Day and Pakistan's historic triumph in Ma'raka-e-Haq ('The Battle of Truth') against Indian aggression, calling it a moment that has intensified the joy of the nation's freedom celebrations, said a press release. He said that freedom is a blessing, one for which no gratitude can ever be enough, and whose protection is a shared responsibility of every citizen. The speaker underscored that the creation of Pakistan was the result of the timeless sacrifices of our forefathers and the tireless struggle of the founders of the nation. He recalled that the Muslims of the subcontinent sacrificed their homes, properties, and even their lives to secure for us an independent and sovereign homeland. 'These sacrifices,' he said, 'are our beacon of guidance for all times to come.' Sadiq stated that today is a day to renew our solemn pledge: that in the face of any aggression against the Motherland, we shall stand firm and united, sparing no sacrifice in her defence. For the country's progress and prosperity, he said, we must set aside our differences and work together with a spirit of unity and purpose. Paying rich tribute to Pakistan's Army, Navy, and Air Force, he recalled that during Ma'raka-e-Haq, fought between May 6 and May 10, 2025, the valiant armed forces, under the brave leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, decisively defeated an adversary many times their size, inscribing a golden chapter in the nation's history. This victory, he said, will be remembered for generations as both a master class in military skill and a shining testament to national unity and unwavering resolve. The speaker lauded the unity, courage, and steadfastness shown by the people of Pakistan during the aggression, standing shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces like a wall of steel. He noted that, time and again, the Pakistani nation has thwarted the enemy's nefarious designs through the strength of national resolve and unity of purpose. Paying homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the defence of the homeland and the eradication of the 'Fitna of Hind,' he said, 'It is by virtue of their sacrifice — giving their today for our tomorrow — that we are celebrating the blessings of freedom today.' Sadiq emphasised that Parliament, as the representative body of Pakistan's 250 million people, must address the nation's challenges through effective legislation and comprehensive policies. He urged Members of Parliament to rise above political affiliations to strengthen national stability and find lasting solutions to the people's problems. He further commended the unity and solidarity displayed by parliamentarians during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos as truly praiseworthy. Expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine and Kashmir, the speaker noted that for decades they have continued their struggle for self-determination. He affirmed that Pakistan's Parliament will continue to extend its political, diplomatic, parliamentary, and moral support to the Palestinian and Kashmiri people until their right to self-determination is achieved. He said that freedom is a priceless gift, for which gratitude is a duty and its protection a sacred trust upon all of us. Urging the youth, he said they must grasp the true spirit of independence, excel in knowledge and skills, and play their full part in the nation's progress, prosperity, and defence. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business Recorder
FPCCI members celebrating Independence Day with patriotic enthusiasm
KARACHI: Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), Mohammad Aman Paracha on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day, stated that 'Pakistan is a great blessing from Allah, and its protection is a collective responsibility of us all. He said that every FPCCI member is celebrating Independence Day with traditional patriotic enthusiasm. The business community across Pakistan pays rich tribute to the Armed Forces of Pakistan, who under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, not only inflicted a decisive defeat on India in war but also made every Pakistani around the world hold their head high with pride. Aman Paracha emphasized that the Pakistani nation is honest, ethical, and united, and the Armed Forces have given a strong and fitting response to the enemy. 'The nation has proven it is ready to make every sacrifice for the defense of our beloved homeland,' he said. He further stated that the nation takes immense pride in its military and security institutions, which have always defended the country during difficult times and brought honour to the nation. On the occasion of the78th Independence Day, Aman Paracha called for a renewed pledge: We must collectively commit to doing everything in our power to ensure that future generations inherit a safe, prosperous, and stable Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
