India

India-Pakistan Fighting: PM Sharif says Pakistan responding to attacks

PM Sharif says Pakistan responding to attacks

Wednasday, May 7, 2025

In a post on X, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decried the strike as an “act of war”.

“Pakistan has every right to give a befitting reply to this act of war imposed by India and a befitting reply is being given,” he said.

“The enemy will never be allowed to succeed in his nefarious objectives,” he said, adding that the morale of the Pakistani nation is high.

India accuses Pakistan of firing into village in Indian-administered Kashmir

The Indian military says Pakistan fired into Bhimber Gali, a village near the Line of Control (LoC) dividing Pakistan- and India-administered Kashmir.

In a post on X, the army said it is “responding appropriately in a calibrated manner”.

‘It’s a shame,’ Trump says of India-Pakistan escalation

US President Donald Trump has been asked by reporters about the ongoing crisis.

“It’s a shame. We just heard about it as we were walking in the doors of the Oval (Office),” he said.

“I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past. They’ve been fighting for a long time,” the US president added.

"I hope it ends very quickly."

Pakistan’s PM summons National Security Committee

Shehbaz Sharif has summoned the National Security Committee to meet at 10am (05:00 GMT) today, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar has said, according to state broadcaster Pakistan Television.

Head of Pakistan’s Punjab province tells residents to stay in their homes

Maryam Nawaz Sharif, chief minister of the Pakistani province of Punjab, has urged residents to avoid leaving their homes “unnecessarily” and to heed instructions from the authorities following India’s attacks.

In a statement shared on social media, she also instructed hospitals, rescue workers, and other state institutions to “remain on alert on an emergency basis”.

“We want peace, but with respect. If war is imposed, the entire nation will become an army,” the chief minister said.

Pakistan will defend its sovereignty ‘by all means’: Foreign minister

Ishaq Dar has denounced India’s attacks as a “flagrant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty”.

“It has jeopardized regional peace,” the foreign minister wrote on X, adding that the country would defend its “sovereignty & territorial integrity by all means”.

UN chief calls for ‘maximum military restraint from both countries’

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, has released the following statement:

“The secretary-general is very concerned about the Indian military operations across the Line of Control and international border.

“He calls for maximum military restraint from both countries. The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”

‘A dangerous escalation’
Kamal Hyder, Reporting from Islamabad, Pakistan

These attacks took place at several different locations.

According to the Pakistani military sources, Pakistan is right now responding with the befitting response at several locations across the Line of Control and across the border.

We were able to hear fighter jets up in the air.

So it is indeed an evolving situation, but Pakistan is now confirming that it is already carrying out reprisal attacks against the Indian missile attack.

This is a dangerous escalation given the fact that Pakistan has said that it wanted concrete evidence after the Pahalgam attack, saying that India was quick to point the finger of blame at it.

Pakistan said it wanted a neutral inquiry; the attackers are still at large and Pakistan said this was a knee-jerk reaction.

US says it’s in touch with both Pakistan and India

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce has called on both countries to “work towards a responsible resolution that maintains long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia”.

“We remain in touch with the governments of both countries at multiple levels,” she said.

The United States has close relations with India and voiced solidarity after April’s attack. Secretary of State Marco Rubio last week called top officials from both nuclear-armed nations and advised de-escalation.

India-Pakistan fighting: India fires missiles into Pakistan

6 May, 2025
India’s army has launched "Operation Sindoor" – hitting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan’s military says India attacked Pakistan with missiles in three places and that Islamabad will respond.

The Indian army said, "Justice is served" in a post on X after the missiles were fired.

Tensions have been escalating between India and Pakistan since the deadly attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, 2025 which India blamed on Pakistan. Pakistan has denied any involvement.

Pakistan will respond ‘at a time and place of its own choosing’

The spokesman for Pakistan’s armed forces has said the military respond to India’s strike "at a time and place of its own choosing".

"It will not go unanswered,"
the spokesman said in the statement, which was carried by the Associated Press of Pakistan.

DG ISPR:

India has struck three places from air.
Bahawalpur, Kotli and Muzaffarabad

All planes of Pakistan Air Force are airborne. All strikes were made by India from its own airspace.

Pakistan will respond to it at a time and place of its own choosing. It will not go… pic.twitter.com/AdL6lIh0jr

— APP (@appcsocialmedia) May 6, 2025

Pakistani military says 2 killed, 12 injured

We’ll bring you more on the aftermath of India’s attacks as soon as we can.

Pakistani military official: India attacks targeted 3 cities

Abid Hussain, Reporting from Islamabad, Pakistan

Lieutenant Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, director general of public relations for Pakistan’s Armed Forces, confirmed India fired missiles at three different cities.

Chaudhry said the attacks were launched from India’s territory and no breach of Pakistani airspace took place.

The missiles targeted the civilian population in Muzzafarabad and Kotli in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, as well as in Bahawalpur, a city in Pakistan’s Punjab province, he said.

In depth analysis  with kemal Hyder.

US urges India and Pakistan to de-escalate Kashmir tensions after deadly attack

Thursday, May 1, 2025
Tensions are rising between India and Pakistan following the killing of 26 tourists in Indian Kashmir. India blames Pakistan for the attack — an allegation Islamabad strongly denies. In response, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged both nuclear-armed neighbors to de-escalate the situation and avoid further violence.

Al Jazeera’s Charles Stratford reports .

Islamophobia in India: A Rising Concern

India, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and diversity, has been witnessing a disturbing rise in Islamophobia. The Muslim community, which constitutes a significant minority in the country, has been facing increasing hostility, violence, and discrimination. This article aims to explore the roots, manifestations, and implications of Islamophobia in India.

Historical Roots

The roots of Islamophobia in India can be traced back to the partition of India in 1947, which led to the creation of Pakistan and a massive migration of Muslims across the border. Since then, Muslims in India have faced periodic outbreaks of violence, suspicion, and mistrust. The legacy of medieval Islamic conquests, British colonial policies, and the partition has contributed to a complex and often tense relationship between Hindus and Muslims in India.

Manifestations of Islamophobia

Islamophobia in India manifests in various forms, including:
- Communal Violence: Mob attacks on Muslims by Hindu nationalist groups have become increasingly common. These attacks often result in loss of life, property damage, and displacement of Muslims.
- Cow Vigilantism: Cow vigilante groups, often affiliated with Hindu nationalist organizations, have been accused of attacking and killing Muslims suspected of cattle trading or beef consumption.
- Discrimination: Muslims face discrimination in education, employment, and housing, making it difficult for them to integrate into mainstream society.

Role of Politics

The rise of Hindu nationalism in India has contributed significantly to the increase in Islamophobia. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been in power at the center since 2014, has been accused of promoting a Hindu nationalist agenda that often targets Muslims. Many scholars believe that incidents of anti-Muslim violence are politically motivated and part of the electoral strategy of mainstream political parties associated with Hindu nationalism.

Notable Incidents

Some notable incidents of Islamophobia in India include ¹:
- Nellie Massacre (1983): A violent attack on Muslims in Assam's Nagaon district, resulting in the deaths of over 1,600 people.
- Gujarat Riots (2002): Widespread violence against Muslims in Gujarat, resulting in over 1,000 deaths and widespread displacement.
- Muzaffarnagar Riots (2013): Communal violence in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, resulting in over 60 deaths and displacement of thousands.
- Delhi Riots (2020): Violence against Muslims in Delhi, triggered by protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, resulting in over 50 deaths.

Conclusion

Islamophobia in India is a complex issue with deep historical roots and contemporary manifestations. The rise of Hindu nationalism and communal violence has created a sense of fear and insecurity among Muslims. It is essential to address these issues through dialogue, education, and policy initiatives that promote interfaith harmony and social cohesion. By understanding the complexities of Islamophobia in India, we can work towards building a more inclusive and tolerant society.

Pahalgam attack: India stops visa service for Pakistani citizens, what steps did India take against Pakistan?

Thursday, 24 April 2025

India on Thursday, 24 April 2025 announced the suspension of visa services for Pakistani citizens with immediate effect.

Giving this information, the Indian Foreign Ministry said, "The decision has been taken in view of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam." The Indian Foreign Ministry said that all the existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani citizens will be considered canceled from 27 April 2025. Medical visas issued to Pakistani citizens will be valid only till 29 April 2025. Indian citizens are advised not to travel to Pakistan. All Indian citizens who are currently in Pakistan are also advised to return to India as soon as possible."

On Tuesday, 22 April 2025, terrorists attacked Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir and killed 26 people. Many were injured. Most of the people killed were tourists.

Pahalgam is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Kashmir.

What steps did India take against Pakistan?

On Wednesday, 23 April 2025, the Cabinet of Security Affairs headed by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in New Delhi Many decisions were taken in the meeting of the Committee (CCS).

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had said that cross border linkages of this terrorist attack have been found. After this, India informed about the decisions taken in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security Affairs.

Many decisions were taken in this meeting, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan and closing the Attari border. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri informed about the decisions taken in the CCS meeting.

India has decided to suspend the 1960 Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan with immediate effect. This decision will remain in force until Pakistan stops supporting cross-border terrorism in a credible manner.

India has also decided to close the Attari Integrated Check Post with immediate effect. The government has said that those who have come here on the basis of valid documents can go back through this route before 1 May 2025.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that now Pakistani citizens will not be able to travel to India on the basis of visas issued under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). Visas previously issued to Pakistani citizens under SVES will be considered cancelled. All Pakistani citizens who are in India under SVES will have to leave India within 48 hours.

The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Force advisers of the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata. They have been given a week's time to leave India. India is also recalling the Defence/Military, Naval and Air Force advisers of its High Commission in Islamabad. These posts will be considered abolished in both the High Commissions.

Five support staff of these military advisers will also be withdrawn from both the High Commissions.

The number of employees in the High Commissions will be gradually reduced from 55 to 30. This decision will come into effect from May 1, 2025.

The CCS reviewed the security situation in India and asked the security forces to remain extremely vigilant.

It was said in the meeting that strict action will be taken against those who conspired for the Pahalgam attack.

Pahalgam attack: Pakistan takes strict steps in response to India's action

Thursday, 24 April 2025

After the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan has also announced to take several steps in response to India's action against Pakistan.

Several decisions were taken in the National Security Council meeting held in Islamabad on Thursday, 24 April 2025, under the chairmanship of Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

These include the announcement of suspending bilateral agreements with India, closing airspace and borders and suspending trade.

Like India, Pakistan has also asked defense advisors and their assistants to leave the country. Also, it has limited its diplomatic staff.

The statement of this meeting rejected India's decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, saying that any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water of Pakistan's share under this treaty would be considered an act of war and would be responded to with full force.

The statement said that in view of India's reckless and irresponsible behaviour of willfully disregarding international conventions, UN Security Council resolutions and international obligations, Pakistan will exercise the right to suspend all bilateral agreements with India, including the Shimla Agreement, until India desists from its behaviour of promoting terrorism within Pakistan, committing killings abroad and non-compliance with UN resolutions on Kashmir.

Pakistan has announced the immediate closure of its airspace to all airlines owned or operated by India, as well as the immediate closure of the Wagah border.

However, as per the announcement, those who have crossed the border into India with valid documents can return through this route till April 30, 2025.

Pakistan has suspended all visas granted to all Indian nationals under the SAARC Visa Waiver Programme, except Sikh pilgrims, and said these should be treated as cancelled. Indian nationals residing in Pakistan on such visas have been directed to leave the country within 48 hours.

Further, the announcement said that all trade with India is also being suspended and this will also apply to trade through any third country.

Pakistan has also declared Indian defence/military advisers in Islamabad as persona non grata and asked them to leave the country immediately, while the support staff of these advisers have also been directed to return.

According to the announcement, the number of staff at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad will be limited to 30 from April 30, 2025.

Pakistan's National Security Council has said that in the absence of any credible investigation and verifiable evidence, attempts to link the Pahalgam attack to Pakistan are futile, irrational and a sign of logical failure.

The statement also said that Pakistan condemns all forms of terrorism without any discrimination and has suffered heavy losses as a leading country in the world against terrorism.

The Council says that India's clichéd narrative of being a victim cannot hide its culpability in promoting terrorism on Pakistani soil nor can it divert attention from the systematic and human rights violations taking place in India's Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan has said that contrary to Indian claims, it has irrefutable evidence of Indian-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan, including the confession of former Indian Navy officer Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav.

Those responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack will not be spared: Modi. India's internal matter: Pakistan

Terrorists attacked tourists in Indian Kashmir on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in the deadliest attack on civilians in several years. At least 28 people were reported killed in firing by terrorists on tourists in Indian Kashmir.

Several others were rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds after the attack in the resort town of Pahalgam in southern Kashmir.

The tourists had gone to visit the nearby Baisaran Valley, which can only be reached on foot or on horseback.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia, has directed the Union Home Ministry to take all necessary steps in response.

Police are blaming terrorists for the attack, which is being described as the biggest attack targeting civilians in the region in recent years.

According to news agency PTI, security has been tightened in India's capital Delhi after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Officials said that this step has been taken as a precaution.

Delhi Police has increased security across the city after the attack.

Strict checking and monitoring is being done especially at tourist places and city borders so that any suspicious activity can be caught immediately.

On the other hand, security personnel are searching vehicles at various places in the Kashmir Valley and extensive barricading has been done on the roads.

Pictures and videos of protests against the attack are also coming from many areas of Jammu and Kashmir. Some people in Pahalgam have also expressed anger over the candle march attack.

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi spoke to Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Rahul Gandhi gave this information on his X account.

He wrote, "I spoke to Home Minister Amit Shah, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Jammu and Kashmir PCC President Tariq Hameed Karra about the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Took full information about this attack.''

"The families of the victims should get justice and we will give them full support.''

After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Modi has returned to India, cutting short his Saudi Arabia tour.

Narendra Modi left for a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

He has described the Pahalgam attack as a 'terrorist attack' and said that 'those responsible for the attack will not be spared.'

As soon as he reached Delhi, he held an emergency briefing meeting to get information about the situation.

According to news agency ANI, the situation has been discussed with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has already reached Kashmir.

After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Chamber and Bar Association Jammu has called for a Kashmir bandh. Their announcement has been supported by the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti.

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference has shared information about supporting the Kashmir bandh on its X account.

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference wrote in its post, "On the instructions of the party president, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference has joined the collective appeal for a Kashmir bandh, strongly condemning the Pahalgam terrorist attack. We appeal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to make the strike called by religious and social leaders a complete success."

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti wrote, "The Chamber and Bar Association Jammu has called for a complete bandh in protest against the horrific terrorist attack on tourists. I appeal to all Kashmiris to unite to support this bandh in honour of the innocent people killed in the brutal attack in Pahalgam.''

"This attack has not happened on a few people but on all of us. We are united in grief and anger and fully support this bandh to strongly condemn the killing of innocent people.''

After the attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the government of Pakistan has given its first reaction.

Pakistan said in its statement, "We are deeply saddened by the death of tourists in the attack in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir illegally occupied by India. We express our condolences to the families of the deceased and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured.''

Apart from this, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif had spoken to a Pakistani news channel on the Pahalgam attack.

He had said that Pakistan has nothing to do with this attack. He had called it an internal matter of India.

India's Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, to pay tribute to the dead. He also met the families of the deceased.

Also, on Wednesday, 23 April 2025, Amit Shah also reached Baisaran area, which is about five kilometers away from Pahalgam and where the terrorist attack took place.

At the same time, Congress MP KC Venugopal also reached Srinagar to pay tribute to the dead. Here he talked to journalists on the Pahalgam attack.

He said, "We have come here to pay tribute to the dead. This incident is very sad and condemnable. People of the whole country are with the victim families. We all stand firmly with our countrymen.''

Several people killed in a crowd crush at India’s Mahakumbh religious festival

Wednesday, January 29, 2025  
At least 30 people have been killed and 60 injured in a stampede at a Hindu religious festival in northern India.
 
The Mahakumbh is believed to be the world's largest gathering and is taking place in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

About 400 million people are expected to attending during the coming weeks.

Al Jazeera’s Charles Stratford reports.

What did the Supreme Court say in the case related to the well of Sambhal Jama Masjid complex?

Friday, January 10, 2025

The Supreme Court of India on Friday, January 10, 2025 ordered not to change the status of the well located in the Jama Masjid complex of Sambhal in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. A two-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna was hearing the matter.

The Supreme Court bench was hearing a petition filed by the Masjid Committee, which said that the 'Sambhal District Administration' is running an alleged campaign to revive old temples and wells.

The Masjid Committee argued that the report indicates that at least 32 old temples have been revived in which no worship is done now or which are closed. At the same time, 19 such wells have also been identified which are being opened for public prayers / use.

The mosque committee has also said that the well of Sambhal mosque is also part of this list. Half of this well is in the mosque. Therefore, the committee has appealed to the court to direct that no action should be taken in the matter of this well without the order of the court.

The Supreme Court will hear the next case on 21 February 2025.

Senior advocate Huzaifa Ahmadi, representing the mosque committee, told the Supreme Court that in the notice of Sambhal Municipality, the mosque has been described as Hari Mandir and worship can be started in it soon. On this, the Supreme Court said that this will not be allowed, and the Supreme Court also asked to submit a status report in the matter.

However, the bench told Huzaifa Ahmadi that he would have to allow others to take water from the well. On this, Huzaifa Ahmadi expressed apprehension that the well could be dug.

In response to this, the CJI verbally said that this is not allowed.

What is behind the Canada-India fallout?

Monday, October 21, 2024
Assassination claims, diplomatic expulsions, and mounting tensions: Canada accuses India of orchestrating the killing of a Sikh activist on its soil, igniting a diplomatic standoff. With both nations at odds, the Sikh community is caught in the middle. How are they navigating this, and what does the blame game mean for their future and security?

In this episode:

    Jaskaran Sandhu, World Sikh Organization