India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

 New Delhi — Bilateral tensions between India and Pakistan intensified over the weekend in the aftermath of the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In a series of retaliatory measures, New Delhi has announced a ban on imports, postal shipments, and parcel deliveries originating from Pakistan, while also barring Pakistani ships from docking at Indian ports.

India’s response follows a brutal terrorist assault on April 22, when gunmen linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam, killing at least 26 people — including foreign nationals — and leaving dozens injured. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit affiliated with Lashkar, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a further escalation, Pakistan test-fired a ballistic missile with a reported range of 450 kilometers on Saturday, a move that Indian defence officials are viewing as a provocative gesture amid already fragile relations. Concurrently, multiple ceasefire violations were reported from the Line of Control (LoC), with Pakistani forces allegedly opening fire on Indian military posts across several sectors, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, and Rajouri.

The Indian Army confirmed retaliatory action and said its response was "prompt and proportionate."

In the political domain, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday. The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s official residence, was the first high-level dialogue following the April 22 attack and lasted approximately 30 minutes. The discussions are believed to have focused on the security situation in the Valley and the Centre’s evolving strategy.

As part of its broader diplomatic response, India has downgraded its diplomatic ties with Pakistan, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, expelling Pakistani military attachés, and cancelling visas for Pakistani nationals. Airspace restrictions have also been imposed, with all Pakistani-registered aircraft and airlines now barred from Indian airspace. In a reciprocal move, Pakistan has suspended its commitment to the 1972 Shimla Agreement.

In Kashmir, public sentiment was marked by grief and resilience. National Conference President Farooq Abdullah visited the family of Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator who was killed while attempting to protect tourists during the attack.

“He is a martyr,” Abdullah said. “He sacrificed his life without fear in the face of terror. This is the spirit of insaniyat and Kashmiriyat. We must summon the courage to confront terrorism if we are to see progress and peace.”

Authorities remain on high alert in Jammu and Kashmir, with intensified security deployment and monitoring across sensitive zones. The Indian government has reiterated its resolve to hold those responsible accountable, both at home and across the border.