Schools shut in Punjab as border clashes cause casualties

KATHMANDU: The already fragile relationship between India and Pakistan has taken a dangerous turn after the Indian military launched missile strikes across the border under “Operation Sindoor,” reportedly targeting sites within Pakistan.

This comes in retaliation for the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which killed 26 people, including a Nepali tourist.

India has accused Pakistan of backing the attack, a claim Islamabad strongly denies. In response, India’s military action has led to casualties on both sides, significantly escalating regional tensions.

According to the Indian Army, three Indian civilians were killed in cross-border shelling, while Pakistani military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that seven Pakistani citizens, including two children, were killed in the Indian strikes.

He alleged that civilian infrastructure, including a mosque, was targeted.

Schools & exams halt in Pakistan’s Punjab Province

In the wake of the escalating conflict, authorities in Pakistan’s Punjab province have ordered the closure of all schools, colleges, and universities, citing safety concerns.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also announced the postponement of all scheduled examinations, except for those conducted by international examination boards, which will proceed as planned.

Pakistani PM issues stern warning

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack as a “cowardly act” and warned of serious repercussions. In a statement shared on social media, Sharif said, “Pakistan reserves the right to respond with full force to what can only be described as an act of war imposed by India. Preparations are underway for an appropriate and resolute response.”

In contrast, the Indian Ministry of Defence claimed the operation was a “targeted and precise” strike against terrorist infrastructure, explicitly stating that no Pakistani military installations were hit. The Indian Army released a statement following the operation, saying, “Justice has been served,” emphasizing that the action was “measured, focused, and non-escalatory.”

International community calls for restraint

As border areas witness ongoing shelling and explosions, global leaders and international organizations have urged both nuclear-armed neighbors to exercise restraint.

Diplomatic channels are reportedly being activated to prevent further escalation and to encourage dialogue as a means of conflict resolution.

With both nations on high alert and civilian lives increasingly at risk, the South Asian region stands at a critical juncture where diplomacy, or the lack thereof, could shape the immediate future.