Tensions have sharply escalated in South Asia following precision military strikes by India, prompting Pakistan to declare a “state of emergency” in its Punjab province. The strikes, part of Operation Sindoor, were launched at 1:05 AM on Wednesday by the Indian Armed Forces as a direct retaliation for the deadly Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives.
In response to the coordinated strikes on nine alleged terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Pakistan swiftly acknowledged the assault, confirming 28 casualties. The government placed all security forces on high alert and issued emergency directives — shutting down educational institutions, cancelling all medical staff leave, and activating full-scale emergency protocols.
According to the Indian government, the operation was based on “credible intelligence” with a stated goal to “break the backbone of terrorism.” In the aftermath, both nations took sweeping security and logistical measures to brace for further conflict.
India, anticipating potential retaliation, evacuated civilians near the Line of Control (LoC) and shut down schools in several border districts. Among the affected were five districts in Punjab — Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur — and four in Rajasthan — Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Sri Ganganagar. Paramilitary forces were recalled from leave, and emergency shelters were activated across the northern regions.
The Kartarpur Corridor, a key religious link between India and Pakistan, was temporarily closed as a precaution. Air traffic was also significantly affected. Pakistan shut its airspace to all flights for 48 hours, while India closed 18 major airports including those in Srinagar, Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, and Chandigarh — grounding over 450 scheduled flights.
With both sides now on heightened alert and security reinforcements deployed across strategic zones, fears of further escalation loom large. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely.
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