News Desk: Pakistan has reported shooting down 25 Israeli-made drones launched by India, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The drones were reportedly sent into nine different locations, including the cities of Karachi and Lahore, with one striking a Pakistani military facility near Lahore. Pakistan’s military claims to have downed these drones in response to Indian airstrikes targeting alleged terrorist facilities in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. India initiated these strikes as retaliation for a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed 26 tourists, which India attributes to Pakistan-based militants—a claim Pakistan denies.

The situation has led to significant casualties on both sides, with Pakistan reporting the deaths of 31 civilians due to Indian missile strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan claims to have killed 40–50 Indian soldiers in border clashes, although India has not confirmed these figures. Both nations have engaged in heavy cross-border fire, leading to civilian evacuations, blackouts in border regions, and the suspension of flights in northern India.

The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to mediate, emphasizing his desire for peace, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called for de-escalation. However, analysts suggest that Washington’s response has been less proactive than in previous crises, possibly due to its preoccupations in Ukraine and Gaza.

The conflict has also led to significant disruptions in civilian life, including explosions in major cities like Lahore and Rawalpindi, prompting Pakistan’s cricket authorities to reconsider ongoing matches. The situation remains volatile, with both nations entrenched in a dangerous standoff, raising fears of a wider military confrontation.