Tensions Between India and Pakistan Escalate Amid Military Attacks

Pakistan’s military took action early on Saturday, launching an attack on several Indian bases, including a missile storage site in northern India. This prompted Pakistan to call an urgent meeting of its National Command Authority, which oversees the country’s nuclear weapons policy.

In response, India condemned the attack, accusing Pakistan of escalating tensions with ongoing drone strikes and other military actions along its western border. The Indian Army emphasized that it would not allow Pakistan’s aggressive actions to succeed.

Indian Army said Pakistan is continuing its “blatant escalation” with drone strikes and other attacks along the western border. Drones spotted over Amritsar were quickly targeted and destroyed by air defense units, which promised to stop any “enemy plans.”

The situation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors has led to growing concerns from the international community, with the United States urging both sides to de-escalate. Diplomatic calls for peace have become more frequent as the fighting between the two countries reached its highest level in 30 years.

Pakistan claimed that India had earlier fired missiles at three of its air bases, including one near Islamabad. However, Pakistan’s air defenses managed to intercept most of the missiles.

Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistan’s planning minister, warned that the escalation could test the international community’s response and urged against crossing the nuclear threshold. The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, called Pakistan’s military chief, Asim Munir, on Friday to stress the importance of finding peaceful solutions to avoid further conflict.

Additionally, IMF has approved a $1 billion loan for Pakistan under its EFF program, despite India’s objections. India expressed concerns that the money could be misused for terrorism and decided not to vote during the IMF board meeting, citing serious national security issues.