India-Pakistan border clash

Authorities from both countries confirmed the overnight skirmish along the Line of Control in the disputed Kashmir region.

The clash occurred despite earlier calls from the United Nations for both nations to exercise maximum restraint.

Bilateral relations have reached their lowest point in recent years, with tensions escalating following a recent attack by gunmen on tourists in the disputed Kashmir region, which killed at least 26 people.

A Pakistani military source stated that the exchange of fire took place across the ceasefire line separating the two parts of Kashmir.

Pakistan announced a series of retaliatory diplomatic actions against India, demanding evidence to support New Delhi’s claims of Islamabad’s involvement in the Kashmir attack.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry declared all visas for Indian citizens invalid, requiring them to leave the country within 48 hours. Additionally, Pakistan reduced India’s diplomatic mission in Islamabad to 30 staff members.

The ministry added, “Our armed forces are prepared to defend against any reckless attempts. We will not allow any violation of our sovereignty and security and will close our airspace to all Indian aircraft.” Islamabad emphasized, “We are committed to peace but will not allow anyone to trample on our sovereignty and rights.”

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry also declared Indian defense attachés as undesirable elements, requiring them to leave the country within 48 hours.

On Tuesday, April 22, gunmen opened fire on tourists at a popular tourist destination in the mountainous Pahalgam region (part of Indian-controlled Kashmir). At least 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national were killed. Indian authorities have increased police and military presence in the area, and security agencies are searching for the perpetrators.

A day after the attack, New Delhi imposed several measures against Islamabad, including closing a key border crossing and further restricting already limited visas for Pakistani citizens. India also expelled Pakistan’s military, naval, and air attachés from its High Commission in Delhi.

In a move condemned by Pakistan, India suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical water-sharing agreement between the two nations since 1960, widely regarded as a rare diplomatic success between the rival neighbors.