Pakistan has issued a stern warning, declaring its intention to 'avenge' the deaths resulting from recent air strikes carried out by India. This escalation marks a significant uptick in hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, who have a long history of conflict, particularly over the contentious region of Kashmir. The recent exchanges of fire have led to a tragic death toll, with reports indicating at least 43 casualties; Pakistan claims that 31 of these were civilians killed due to Indian air strikes and border shelling, while India reports 12 fatalities from Pakistani shelling.

In a powerful address to the nation on the evening of May 7, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow for the victims, stating, 'We make this pledge, that we will avenge each drop of the blood of these martyrs.' His remarks came shortly after India's military claimed that it had successfully targeted nine 'terrorist camps' within Pakistani territory during the early hours of the same day. This military action was framed by India as a response to an earlier attack in Kashmir, which New Delhi alleges was supported by Pakistani authorities—a claim that Islamabad vehemently denies.

The situation intensified further with reports that Pakistani military spokesman Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry claimed that five Indian jets had been downed across the border, while an anonymous senior security source from India stated that three of its fighter jets crashed within Indian territory. This exchange highlights the fraught military dynamics along the Line of Control, the de facto border that divides Kashmir and remains heavily militarized. Both nations have fought two major wars over Kashmir since they gained independence from British rule in 1947, contributing to a long-standing animosity.

Residents of the affected areas have been deeply shaken by the violence. Muhammad Salman, a local residing near a mosque hit by an Indian strike, described a night filled with 'terrible sounds' that caused widespread panic. Another resident, Tariq Mir, lamented the destruction of his home, stating, 'We are moving to a safer place... we are homeless now,' after being injured by shrapnel from an explosion.

In contrast to the claims of Pakistan, India has described its military actions as 'focused, measured, and non-escalatory,' seeking to emphasize restraint in the face of conflict. However, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using military action to bolster his domestic standing, warning that Islamabad would not delay in 'settling the score.'

As of the evening of May 7, the Pakistani military confirmed that artillery fire was still ongoing along the Line of Control, and they asserted their right to retaliate 'at the time, place, and manner of its choosing.' Among the most significant strikes was an attack on an Islamic seminary near the Punjab city of Bahawalpur, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals. Additionally, a government health and education complex in Muridke and a mosque in Muzaffarabad were destroyed, further escalating tensions in the region.

On India's side, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that the military operations were within New Delhi's 'right to respond' following a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which had claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly Hindus, on April 22. Pakistan has consistently denied involvement in the attack, which has been attributed to the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba, recognized by the UN as a terrorist organization.

In the aftermath of the strikes, United Nations military observers were deployed to Muzaffarabad to assess damage at the mosque that Pakistan claims was targeted by Indian forces. Residents there were seen collecting damaged copies of the Koran amidst the rubble, a poignant reminder of the devastation caused by the conflict. Meanwhile, individuals in Indian-administered Kashmir expressed fear and confusion as they fled from the ongoing Pakistani shelling, with witnesses describing significant property damage and injuries.

Amidst the growing hostilities, calls for restraint have emerged from the international community. UN officials have emphasized that a military confrontation between India and Pakistan would have dire consequences, urging both sides to step back from the brink. On the same day as the strikes, US President Donald Trump called for an end to the fighting and offered to help facilitate peace talks. Additionally, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's visit to New Delhi came in the wake of diplomatic efforts to mediate the situation following his previous trip to Islamabad.

Since 1989, rebels in Indian-administered Kashmir have engaged in an insurgency, demanding either independence or amalgamation with Pakistan, with India consistently accusing Pakistan of supporting these armed groups. The situation remains highly volatile as tensions escalate, putting the region at risk of further conflict.