Islamabad, April 30, 2025: The Pakistan Army responded decisively to an unprovoked ceasefire violation by Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC) during the early hours of April 29 and 30, according to state broadcaster PTV, citing security sources.
Indian troops reportedly initiated firing using small arms in the Kayani and Mandal sectors. In response, the Pakistan Army targeted Indian military posts, delivering what officials described as a “strong and effective” retaliation. Several Indian posts sustained damage during the exchange.
Pakistan’s military leadership reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity, stating that any violations along the LoC would be met with a swift and proportionate response.
Separately, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) detected the presence of four Indian Rafale fighter jets near the LoC late Tuesday night. Security sources said the jets were operating within Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) airspace when PAF aircraft conducted a coordinated response, prompting the Indian aircraft to retreat.
The escalation follows a deadly attack in Pahalgam, IIOJK, on April 22, which left 26 people dead, most of them tourists. It was one of the deadliest incidents in the region since 2000. India has suggested potential cross-border links to the attack, though it has yet to provide concrete evidence. Pakistan has categorically denied any involvement and called for an independent investigation.
In response to the attack, India unilaterally suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) on April 23 — a landmark agreement brokered by the World Bank that has withstood decades of tensions. A day later, Pakistan warned of reciprocal measures, including suspending the 1972 Simla Agreement and potentially closing its airspace to Indian flights.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar warned late Tuesday that Pakistan has credible intelligence suggesting India may launch a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours, using the Pahalgam incident as a justification.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s call for peace and urged the international community to support a transparent investigation into the Pahalgam attack to avoid further escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.