Islamabad/New Delhi, May 9, 2025: Panic and uncertainty gripped border regions across Pakistan and India on Friday as the ongoing military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed nations intensified, prompting mass evacuations, stockpiling of essentials, and an atmosphere of deepening fear.
The escalating conflict, the worst in nearly three decades, has entered its third day, with both sides exchanging drone strikes, artillery shelling, and accusations of aggression. Tensions spiked after India launched airstrikes on Wednesday against targets in Pakistan it described as “terrorist camps,” citing retaliation for last month’s deadly attack on Hindu pilgrims in Indian-administered Kashmir. Pakistan denies any involvement and responded with retaliatory fire.
In India’s Punjab, families living close to the border have started relocating. “My village is only 13 kilometers from the border; many people have already sent their children and women away. I might do the same,” said Amanpreet Dhillon, 26.
In Uri district of Indian-occupied Kashmir, heavy shelling forced people to flee under cover of darkness. “We’ve never seen such intense bombardment. Most villagers spent the night in underground bunkers,” said Baramulla resident Bashir Ahmad, 45.
In Pakistan’s Lahore, just 24 kilometers from the Indian border, drone alarms on Thursday evening rattled residents. Pakistani officials claimed several Indian drones were intercepted and shot down, triggering emergency sirens and leading the U.S. Consulate to order staff to shelter in place.
Schools in Lahore were closed Friday, and anxious residents rushed to secure supplies. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and ATMs witnessed long queues.
“I bought flour, oil, lentils, tea — enough groceries for a month. We also withdrew extra cash in case the banks shut down,” said Aroosha Rameez, 34.
Pharmacist Muhammad Asif reported a sharp increase in medicine sales: “People are hoarding paracetamol, antibiotics, blood pressure and diabetes medication. If this continues, we’ll see shortages soon.”
Food delivery service FoodPanda confirmed a nationwide surge in grocery orders, as panic spread beyond border regions.
India’s federal Consumer Affairs Ministry urged calm. “We have surplus stocks of wheat, rice, and pulses. There’s no shortage,” said a senior official, warning retailers against price gouging.
Still, in Amritsar, near the Wagah-Attari border, residents were preparing for the worst. “Markets might not open tomorrow — I need to ensure my children are fed,” said Pankaj Seth.
Some were helping relatives in nearby towns. “My aunt in Attari asked me to bring her flour because prices there are rising fast,” said Navneet Kaur, a nurse heading to deliver supplies.
In Pakistan’s Neelum Valley, close to the Line of Control, thousands have taken refuge in makeshift bunkers. “Since the strike in Muzaffarabad, we haven’t slept in our homes. We dug a bunker into a rocky hill,” said Manzoor Ahmed, 43, from Jura Bandi village. Police confirmed that most villagers in the area are now sleeping underground.
Pakistani authorities said over 400 people have been evacuated so far from high-risk areas near the LoC.
