In a major power shift in Pakistan, ISI chief Lt Gen Mohammed Asim Malik has been appointed National Security Advisor, filling a post left vacant since 2022. The move signals a deeper consolidation of power by the military, sidelining Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has been absent from public appearances. This development comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in India, which killed 26 civilians and has escalated India-Pakistan tensions. With the military and ISI now central to Pakistan’s strategic direction, analysts suggest this marks a de facto partial coup, shifting control of national policy to the security establishment. (PC: R Digital)

On April 22, 2025, a brutal terror attack in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 individuals—25 Hindu tourists and one local Muslim pony operator. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. Indian authorities allege the attackers selected victims based on religion. Two militants were reportedly Pakistani nationals. India responded by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, expelling Pakistani diplomats, and increasing troop alertness along the Line of Control. Pakistan denied involvement and retaliated diplomatically. The incident has sharply escalated tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, raising fears of further conflict. (PC: The Hindu)

In a rare diplomatic alignment, Taliban-led Afghanistan and Turkey strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists. India engaged diplomatically, sending senior official M Anand Prakash to Kabul to deepen bilateral ties and discuss regional stability. Taliban’s Foreign Ministry expressed condolences and emphasized peace efforts, while Turkey called it a “terrorist attack” without referencing J&K as disputed. This support bolsters India’s global narrative, while Pakistan faces strained ties with the Taliban and considers legal action over the Indus Waters Treaty suspension. India continues extending humanitarian aid and investment proposals in Afghanistan. (PC: ANI)

On May 1, 2025, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the perpetrators of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 dead, must be held accountable. India maintains the attack was carried out by terrorists, including two Pakistani nationals. Pakistan has denied involvement and requested a neutral investigation. The U.S. affirmed its support for India’s fight against terrorism while encouraging both nations to avoid further escalation. India has already suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and closed its airspace to Pakistani flights, with Pakistan retaliating similarly. (PC: Reuters)

Following India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, former Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari defended his controversial remark that “if water is stopped, blood will flow.” He emphasized the cultural importance of the Indus River to Pakistan, particularly Sindh. Indian Union Minister CR Paatil challenged Bhutto to visit India if he had the courage. Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar warned any water blockage would be seen as an attack on Pakistan’s people and economy, escalating regional tensions. (PC: ANI)  

In response to a suspected drone attack on the Liberian-flagged chemical tanker MV Chem Pluto, the Indian Navy has heightened security in the Arabian Sea. The ship, en route to New Mangalore port from Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, was hit approximately 217 nautical miles off the coast of Porbandar, Gujarat. While no casualties were reported, the Navy has deployed three guided missile destroyers—INS Mormugao, INS Kochi, and INS Kolkata—to monitor the area. Surveillance by P-8I aircraft continues, and coordination with the Coast Guard ensures increased maritime vigilance. (PC: Gcaptain)

In response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists, India has closed its airspace to all Pakistan-owned and operated aircraft, including military planes. The decision mirrors Pakistan’s earlier move to ban Indian flights and comes amid rising Indo-Pak tensions. A NOTAM issued by New Delhi confirmed the airspace ban remains in effect until May 23. The move severely impacts Pakistani carriers, forcing detours around Indian territory for Southeast Asia and Oceania-bound flights, increasing fuel and time costs. India has also suspended diplomatic ties, border posts, and the Indus Waters Treaty in a series of escalating countermeasures. (PC: NDTV)

Following the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 Indian tourists, India has taken strict digital action by blocking Instagram accounts of several prominent Pakistani actors, including Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, Ali Zafar, Sanam Saeed, and others. Indian users now see a message stating that these accounts are “not available in India” due to a legal compliance request. This move is part of broader measures by India, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and bans on Pakistani YouTube channels, amid escalating diplomatic and military tensions with Pakistan.    

In the wake of the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif expressed deep concern about escalating tensions with India. During a media briefing on April 30, Asif broke down in tears, saying, “God save us from war with India.” He warned of the increasing risk of conflict, following the death of 26 Indian tourists in the attack, which India blamed on Pakistan-based groups. Asif urged for peace but emphasized that Pakistan would retaliate if provoked. The comments reflect growing fears of war between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. (PC: AFP)  

On April 30, 2025, the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan held a crucial conversation via hotline to address rising ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border. India strongly warned Pakistan against unprovoked firing incidents reported in Kupwara, Poonch, Tutmari Gali, and Rampur sectors. The talks were prompted by the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. India has since suspended the Indus Water Treaty, shut down the Attari Integrated Check Post, downgraded diplomatic ties, and authorized the Army for decisive counter-terror action. (PC: Greater Kashmir)