As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate, Pakistan carried out a fresh attacks cross the Jammu region, triggering the union territory to enforce a blackout. While the drone attacks were foiled by the Indian Armed Forces, Pakistani drones were also spotted in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer, Punjab's Pathankot and Jalandhar.
A blackout was enforced across states sharing a border with Pakistan. Punjab, Rajastha, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir plunged into darkness amid the fresh attacks.
This retaliation from Pakistan comes after India launched Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory military strike in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 tourists.
In Operation Sindoor, Indian Armed Forces targeted nine terror camps spread out across 21 locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions, Pakistan once again targeted India and launched an attack on Jammu on Thursday. A complete blackout has been enforced in Akhnoor and sirens are being heard across the area, as per news agency ANI.
Following Pakistan's attack in Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir, a complete blackout has been implemented and enforced across the union territory.
Amid the attack on Jammu, blackouts have been enforced across India. Following Jammu, blackouts have been enforced in Punjab's Amritsar and Gurdaspur and Rajasthan's Jaisalmer.
Following the fresh strikes exchanged between India and Pakistan on May 7-8, the Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed the strikes carried out by Pakistan across northern and western states of India.
The debriefing was led by MEA Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and IAF Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.
The Foreign Secretary also addressed the rise in disinformation following the Pahalgam Attack on April 22.
"The attack on Pahalgam on April 22 was the first escalation by Pakistan, in response to which the Indian Armed Forces has retaliated accordingly," said Misr
Pakistan has launched loitering munitions against targets in Jammu, Indian Air Defence guns are responding with counterfire, sources tell news agency PTI
The Punjab government on Thursday set up a control room to oversee the situation on the ground, as the tension between India and Pakistan escalated.
The revenue disaster management control room has set up landline phone numbers 0172-2741803 and 0172-2749901 to be contacted by the general public in case of an emergency, a government spokesperson said.
- via PTI
A blackout was enforced in Punjab's Pathankot and Amritsar districts on Thursday evening as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated.
There were reports of a loud noise heard in Pathankot which some feared could be shelling from Pakistan but there was no confirmation. District authorities said there was no need to panic.
Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked shelling along the Line of Control in Kupwara and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir late on Thursday evening with the Indian armed forces retaliating effectively, officials said.
The Boniyar sector of Baramulla and the Tangdhar sector of Kupwara district were targeted by Pakistan but there were no reports of any casualty so far.
Amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, heavy firing along the LoC has resulted in the death of 16 civilians. As per the official confirmation from the Ministry of Defence, three women and five children were among the civilians killed due to Pakistani firing.
Following the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the government of Delhi has announced it will be cancelling all leaves.
"In view of the prevailing situation and preparedness for the emergency response system, the Competent Authority has directed that no leave shall be granted to any Officer/Official of the Government of NCT of Delhi, till further orders," reads the official notice.
Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, PTI has reported that shelling noise was heard in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer. The city has already gone under blackout as a precautionary method.
Match 58 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was stopped after a malfunction in one of the floodlights at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala and was later called off due to power outage in the area.
The incident happened during the 11th over after the dismissal of Punjab Kings' opener Priyansh Arya. T Natarajan dismissed him on his first delivery of the over.
Shreyas Iyer came to the crease, but suddenly, one of the towers of floodlights went off. Umpires waited for some time, but when it took more time to be repaired, they advised players to go back to their respective dugouts.
As per a statement from the US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Secretary of State Marco Rubio dialled Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and called for immediate de-escalation between India and Pakistan.
"Secretary Marco Rubio spoke today with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The Secretary emphasised the need for immediate de-escalation. He expressed US support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications. The Secretary reiterated his condolences for the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States바카라™ commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism."
Dr S Jaishankar posted on X, "Spoke with US Secretary Marco Rubio this evening. Deeply appreciate US commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism. Underlined India바카라™s targeted and measured response to cross-border terrorism. Will firmly counter any attempts at escalation."
Pakistan drone attacks along the western borders at various locations have been reported. However, according to the officials, Pakistani drone and missile attacks on military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur have been thwarted.
Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, many states have announced the closure of schools, blackouts in border districts, and cancellation of leave of police personnel and administration officials.
The stringent measures were taken by Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, West Bengal and Bihar after India struck terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam massacre that killed 26 people.
The India-Pakistan conflict appears to be spinning out of control. While neither India nor Pakistan wants a full scale war, the situation is getting out of hand and the nuclear armed neighbours may willy-nilly be drawn into a full blown war.
With Pakistan now launching a massive drone attack on Jammu airport and persistent artillery fire all along the border the situation is grim. The overnight exchange of artillery fire, drone attacks and taking aim on military installations has led to a massive escalation.
Residents of border village take shelter in bunker as Pak shelling continues.
Expressing concern over escalating situation, Nepal governement issued a press release.
"The Government of Nepal is deeply concerned about the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, following the terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, India on 22 April 2025 in which a Nepali national also had lost his precious life. During this tragic period, Nepal and India stood in solidarity, united in shared grief and suffering."
"It may be recalled that Nepal had immediately and unequivocally condemned the barbaric terrorist attack, consistent with its resolute stance against all forms of terrorism. Nepal stands together with all in the fight against terrorism. In line with its principled position, Nepal shall not allow any inimical forces to use its soil against its neighbouring countries. Nepal hopes for de-escalation of tension and affirms its commitment to lasting peace and stability in the region."
Amid escalating situation, Akasa Air issues travel advisory requedsting people to reach airport 3 hours prior to departure.
"Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India, we request you to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure, to ensure a seamless check-in and boarding experience. Please ensure you carry valid government-approved photo identification documents for entry to the airport. In addition to your check-in baggage, only one handbag weighing upto 7 kgs will be permitted. As per regulatory guidelines, all passengers will be required to undergo secondary security checks before boarding..."
"In view of an order by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security on enhanced measures at airports, passengers across India are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding. Check-in closes 75 mins before departure."
In view of the escalating situation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the Director Generals of border guarding forces to take stock of the border situation. He also speaks to the CISF DG regarding airport security.
Sound of massive explosions were heard in Jaisalmer and a blackout was enforced in western Rajasthan districts bordering Pakistan, plunging the whole stretch into darkness, police said.
Sirens sounded in Jaisalmer city as well. People switched off lights as the city echoed with explosion sounds, which were possibly drone attacks by Pakistan in Jaisalmer-Pokhran, according to sources.
Bikaner witnessed a complete blackout, which is set to continue until further orders. District Magistrate Namrata Vrishni issued orders for blackout in Bikaner tehsil as well.
In Jodhpur too, the blackout is implemented with immediate effect on instructions of the district collector.
(Via PTI)
The match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals today was cancelled midway following air raid alerts in Jammu and Pathankot, putting the entire league at risk of being called off.
"We are reviewing the situation right now. It is an evolving situation. We haven't received any directive from the government. Obviously the decision will be taken keeping all the logistics in mind," IPL chairman Arun Dhumal told PTI when asked whether the league will continue amid the conflict that started with a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22.
Punjab government has ordered the closure of all educational institutions for the next three days in view of the escalating tensions at India-Pakistan border, PTI
Ministry of Defence in a post on X said that they have neutralised missiles and drones launched at several military stations.
"Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot & Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin #drones and missiles along the International Border in J&K today.
The threats were swiftly neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities in line with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). No casualties or material losses were reported.
India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people," it said on X.
In view of escalating tensions, IndiGo Airlines issued advisory.
"In these extraordinary times, heightened security measures are taken up across all airports. We request you to allow some extra time for your journey to accommodate security checks and formalities. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation", they posted on X.
Citing defence sources, PTI reported that two Pakistani drones were shot down by Indian Army Air Defence Units in the Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
India likely to urge IMF to exercise caution on bailout package to Pakistan, as per PTI.
Issuing a travel advisory, Delhi Airport announced that all operations remained normal except some flights which were impacted due to changing airspace conditions and heightened security. Passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest updates.
Pakistani drones were sighted in Bathinda, which have been neutralised by Indian forces.
Security has been heightened around India Gate in view of Pakistan's failed attempts to attack locations along western border.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in separate conversations on Thursday with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, underscored the importance of de-escalation and advocated for direct dialogue.
바카라śSecretary Rubio spoke today with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, emphasizing the urgent need for de-escalation,바카라ť Bruce said.
In his call with Jaishankar, Rubio reaffirmed the U.S.바카라™s commitment to working closely with India to combat terrorism. During his conversation with Sharif, he expressed condolences over reported civilian casualties amid the current tensions between India and Pakistan and urged Islamabad to halt support for terrorist groups, according to PTI reports.
Saudi Arabia's deputy foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir landed in Delhi on Thursday to meet India's top leadership with a focus on de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
According to PTI, Al-Jubeir, on an unannounced visit to New Delhi, is learnt to have carried a message from the Saudi leadership.
The Saudi minister held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and discussed the situation that has developed since India's military strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir early Wednesday.
Amid significant escalations in Indo-Pak tensions, BSF foiled a major infiltration bid at the International Boundary in Samba district at around 11PM on May 8.
In view of the continuously evolving situation, IndiGo Airlines on Friday announced that bookings made on or before 8th May 2025 are eligible for change/cancellation fee waiver for travel until 22nd May 2025 to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kishangarh & Rajkot.
The Punjab government ordered the closure of all educational institutes for three days and cancelled the leaves of its police personnel as a precautionary measure amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
On Thursday night, India successfully neutralised Pakistan's efforts to launch attacks on military bases in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur and some other locations with missiles and drones amid escalating tensions between both nations, reported PTI.
Large explosions and sirens were heard in areas such as Akhnoor, Samba, Baramulla, and Kupwara.
In response, the Indian defence ministry stated that "India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people."
Explosions reported along the Line of Control (LoC) near the Poonch and Rajouri areas in Jammu and Kashmir, reported ANI.
Further details are awaited.
Rajasthan's CM Bhajanlal Sharma convened a high-level meeting at the CMO to discuss the escalating border tensions. The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police, and ADG Law and Order, reported ANI.
Vice President JD Vance asserted in an interview today that they are trying to deescalate the conflict a little bit but it is fundamentally none of their business.
바카라śWhat we can do is try to encourage these folks to deescalate a little bit, but we바카라™re not going to get involved in the middle of war that바카라™s fundamentally none of our business and has nothing to do with America바카라™s ability to control it. You know, America can바카라™t tell the Indians to lay down their arms. We can바카라™t tell the Pakistanis to lay down their arms. And so, we바카라™re going to continue to pursue this thing through diplomatic channels,바카라ť Vance told Fox News.
바카라śOur hope and our expectation is that this is not going to spiral into a broader regional war or, God forbid, a nuclear conflict. Right now, we don바카라™t think that바카라™s going to happen,바카라ť he added further
Turkish president Recep Tayyip ErdoÄźan has weighed in on the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan. In a post on X, ErdoÄźan stated that he fears the situation may spiral into a full-scale armed conflict and urged both sides to lower tensions and engage in dialogue.
"We are concerned that the tension between Pakistan and India will turn into a hot conflict with missile attacks resulting in the deaths of many civilians. I wish God's mercy upon our brothers who lost their lives in the attacks and once again offer my condolences to the brotherly people and state of Pakistan," he said.
"Yesterday, we had an important telephone conversation with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. We find valuable Pakistan's proposal for an international investigation into the heinous terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Although there are those who pour gasoline on the fire, we as TĂĽrkiye are making every effort to reduce tensions and open channels of dialogue before events reach a point of no return," he added further.
In light of the recent attacks carried out by Pakistan, complete blackout has been enforced in Jammu, reported ANI.
In a special joint briefing involving the Ministry of External Affairs and Security forces held at 5:30 PM on May 8, Foreign secretary Vikram Misry asserted that the Pahalgam terror attack was the original escalation point in the recent conflict and that the Indian Armed Forces replied to that escalation.
Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks targeting several Indian cities including Jammu. India intercepted the missiles by employing the S-400 missile defence system.
Explosions were reported near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts.
Blackouts in parts of Jammu, Punjab and Rajasthan were administered.
India hits Lahore in retaliation.
The Civil Aviation Ministry informed the closure of 24 airports for civil flight operations.
Amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, the US is urging both nations to de-escalate and resume dialogue. Secretary of State Rubio has reached out to Pakistan바카라™s PM, while President Trump has offered to mediate, stressing diplomacy over conflict.
Loud explosions can be heard in Jammu and a complete blackout has been imposed in the region, reported ANI.
The United States of America has issued notices instructing all its citizens and consulate staff to either leave Lahore or seek shelter.
The US consulate also released a statement advising its citizens to have evacuation plans and not depend on the US government for assistance.