ISLAMABAD: In a stirring press briefing held on Friday, May 9, Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan expressed grave concerns regarding the increasing tensions between Pakistan and India, both nuclear-armed nations. Khan articulated that India’s aggressive actions are pushing the two countries to the brink of a major conflict, stating, "It is most unfortunate that India's reckless conduct has brought the two nuclear-armed states closer to a major conflict."

He emphasized that the ongoing jingoism and war hysteria exhibited by India should alarm not only the South Asian region but the entire world. The statement comes amid escalating hostilities that have seen both nations exchanging fire along the Line of Control (LoC), the heavily militarized border separating the contested Kashmir region.

In a tragic turn of events, five civilians lost their lives due to Indian shelling in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, as reported by a Pakistani government official. These deaths occurred following several days of intense exchanges of artillery fire between the two countries. Police official Adeel Khan, stationed in the Kotli district, confirmed that the shelling resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including a heartbreaking incident involving a two-year-old girl, and injured at least twelve others. He added that the shelling persisted late into the night, further escalating the situation.

In response to the ongoing attacks, the Pakistan Army launched a robust counteroffensive, targeting three Indian military posts located across the Line of Control. This military response is seen as a direct reaction to the Indian shelling that has resulted in civilian casualties.

Moreover, in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, a senior government official, who requested anonymity, confirmed the earlier reported deaths in Kotli and added that a fifth victim was killed in the Bagh district. A security official from Muzaffarabad further highlighted the severity of the situation, revealing that a mortar shell fired by Indian forces struck a civilian residence in Bagh, leading to the death of a young man and injuring two of his sisters. This underscores the alarming impact of military actions on innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.

The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides preparing for further military engagement, raising fears of an all-out conflict. Observers from around the world are closely monitoring the developments, as the international community increasingly calls for de-escalation and dialogue to prevent a humanitarian crisis in the region.