Ongoing hostilities between India and Pakistan continue to raise fears of further conflict, following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last week.
On Tuesday, Indian authorities closed dozens of tourist sites in the disputed Himalayan region, while Pakistan announced plans for legal action over India’s decision to suspend a key water-sharing agreement. Meanwhile, both sides exchanged fire across the Line of Control (LoC) — the 740km unofficial frontier — for a fifth consecutive night. Pakistan also claimed it had shot down an Indian drone, fueling concerns of military escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Officials in Indian-administered Kashmir confirmed that 48 of 87 state-approved tourist locations had been closed, though no timeline was given for reopening. The move prompted many visitors to leave the region in haste.
Escalating Diplomatic Row
India blames Pakistan for backing “cross-border terrorism” after an attack last week that killed 26 mostly Hindu tourists. Islamabad has denied any involvement and called for an independent investigation.
The incident has triggered a series of retaliatory diplomatic steps, including the suspension of visas, expulsion of diplomats, and closures of borders and airspace. India has also barred Pakistani citizens from entering the country and suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, which supports a significant portion of Pakistan’s agricultural irrigation.
In response, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Law and Justice, Aqeel Malik, said his country is preparing to challenge India’s actions at international legal forums, including the World Bank and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. He also said Pakistan may approach the International Court of Justice, citing violations of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.
Risk of Conflict Grows
Firing continued along the LoC, with the Indian army accusing Pakistani forces of initiating “unprovoked” gunfire. No casualties were reported by India. While Pakistan has not officially confirmed the skirmish, state media claimed its military had downed an Indian unmanned aerial vehicle that allegedly violated its airspace. India has not responded to the allegation.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told Reuters that the country was bracing for a possible military incursion by India.
Sources: Al Jazeera, News Agencies