The land of Punjab, which has resonated with the hymns of Sufis and the tales of heroes for centuries, today seems to be cowering under the shadow of a new fear. India and Pakistan, the two nuclear-armed neighbours, are once again at loggerheads. On April 22, terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir. In response, India launched missile strikes on Pakistani soil early Wednesday, bringing the old rivalry back into the spotlight.
The Indian Army announced that it had targeted nine terrorist hideouts from which “attacks against India were being plotted”. According to official sources, these nine hideouts included the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Bahawalpur, a deep symbolic target about 100 km from the international border. The base was allegedly the centre for planning large-scale attacks against Indians.
Another major attack was carried out on the Lashkar-e-Taiba training camp in Muridke, just 30 km from the border opposite Samba. The camp, infamous for training terrorists who carried out the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, was a grim reminder of the constant threat of cross-border terrorism being sponsored. Indian armed forces have targeted the Gulpur camp in the Poonch-Rajouri sector, in a dilapidated condition near the Line of Control. The base was considered a launchpad for the deadly attack in Poonch on April 20, 2023, as well as the attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in June 2024. Indian fighter jets targeted the Lashkar-e-Taiba-run Sawai camp in the Tangdhar sector of PoK, further north. Intelligence agencies have linked this location to several high-profile attacks on October 20, 2024 in Sonamarg, October 24 in Gulmarg and April 22, 2025 in Pahalgam. Another launchpad of Jaish-e-Mohammed, Bilal Camp, has been hit by airstrikes. Before the infiltration attempts, it was known as a key staging area for the militants, acting as a final transit point before entering Indian territory. Kotli Camp, which is a Lashkar-e-Taiba base opposite Rajouri, is believed to have housed around 50 operatives at one time, acting as a dedicated suicide bomber training centre. Along with this, Barnala camp, just 10 km from the Line of Control, which was acting as a logistics and reorganisation centre for terrorists moving to Jammu and Rajouri, was also destroyed. Sarjal camp near the international border, another Jaish-e-Mohammed hideout about 8 km from Samba-Kathua, was targeted for its role in short-range infiltration and quick-strike missions. And finally, Indian aircraft attacked Mahmuna camp near Sialkot, a training centre of Hizbul Mujahideen just 15 km from the border.
They claimed that no Pakistani military installations were touched and that the attack was “focused, controlled and unprovoked”. But Pakistan called it an “act of war.” Officials said eight civilians, including a child and two young men, were killed and 35 injured.
“The response will be befitting and strong,” Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif declared on national television, according to a report in the Washington Times. “India has imposed war on our soil, but we are ready to fight it,” Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said. Pakistani military spokesman Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry claimed that two Indian aircraft were shot down, while Asif raised the figure to five, including French Rafales. These claims could not be independently verified, and India remained silent. The attacks were carried out in Ahmedpur East, Muridke, Sialkot and Kotli, Bagh and Muzaffarabad in Pakistani-administered Kashmir in 24 “bombs”. Sushant Singh of Yale University, a former Indian soldier, said, “This is the biggest attack since the 1971 war. This is not just Kashmir, but the heart of Pakistan.” According to him, the attack is tantamount to a declaration of war, and Pakistan’s response will determine the next phase. If they attack Indian Punjab or Rajasthan, then all will reach the limit of madness,”
The attack in the eyes of international newspapers
Al Jazeera: Al Jazeera called it a “dangerous step for regional peace”. It stressed the deaths of Pakistani civilians and condemned India’s “unilateral” attacks. It questioned China’s “unwavering support” and the “ambiguous” policy of the US. It considered the possibility of war “grave”, which could shake the world because of its nuclear capabilities.
BBC: The BBC adopted a balanced approach, presenting India’s “counter-terrorism” claims and Pakistan’s “security” concerns. It commented on China’s limited involvement, such as arms supplies, but called direct military support unlikely. It considered the possibility of war “worrying”, but expressed hope for diplomacy.
Times of India: It called India’s attacks “legitimate”, accused Pakistan of “sponsoring terrorism”. It praised the abrogation of the Indus Waters Treaty and the closure of the Wagah border. It called Pakistan’s retaliatory firing “provocative” and considered war “Pakistan’s choice”.
Global Times (China): China calls India “irresponsible” and reaffirms “iron friendship” with Pakistan. Rejects direct military assistance, citing improvement in India-China relations, but talks of arms and diplomatic support. War is considered “dangerous”, but responsibility for restraint falls on India.
The Nation (Pakistan)
N): It called India an “aggressor of civilians” and stressed Pakistan’s ability to respond. It praised China’s assistance and considered war “not impossible,” but expressed hope for international intervention.
Is war likely
The tension looms like a dark shadow of war on Punjab soil. Both countries are nuclear-armed, and historical animosity has always turned even minor skirmishes into major conflicts. India’s tough policy—abrogating the Indus Water Treaty, closing the Wagah border, and downgrading diplomatic ties—and Pakistan’s counter-strategy—firing across the Line of Control and severing trade ties—have exacerbated the tension. “A miscalculation could lead to war,” said Michael Kugelman, an analyst for the Washington Times. But international pressure could prevent it. US President Donald Trump expressed hope for a “soon end,” while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for “restraint.” China, Pakistan’s backer, advised avoiding “face-to-face” but ruled out the possibility of limited military assistance. Improvement in India-China relations could also prevent a full-scale war.
Tips for the people of Punjab
Punjab, which is close to the border, needs to remain alert and restrained in such times. It will have to prepare to stay safe in this potential war.
Emergency kit: Every household should have a stock of 15 days’ ration, dry milk, water, medicines, torches, batteries and important documents.
Safe havens: Arrange a bunker or strong room at home. Find out the list of government shelters. Government notifications: Keep an eye on radio, TV and updates from local authorities. Avoid rumours. Communication plan: Determine the method of contact with family and the place of reunion. Keep mobile phones charged.
This is a testing time for the land of Punjab. This tension between India and Pakistan has brought the dark shadow of war, but restraint and diplomacy can prevent it. Pressure from the US, the UN and China can play an important role in this.
