1745488846736Missile test warning deepens India-Pakistan crisis post Pahalgam massacre

 

South Asia is witnessing a sharp rise in hostilities as Pakistan announced a missile test near its Karachi coast while India was on a high scale of diplomatic offensive in reaction to the heinous Pahalgam terror attack. With both nations on high alert, the threat of a larger crisis hangs large.

As per reports in the national news agency, ANI, Pakistan has given a maritime notice for conducting a surface-to-surface missile test in the Arabian Sea. This was initiated between April 24-25 within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 

Indian defense agencies are keeping a close eye on the development, which followed merely 48 hours after India had taken unprecedented retaliatory steps against Islamabad.

 

Terror Strikes Tourist Haven

 

The new diplomatic breakdown comes after a horrific terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley close to Pahalgam, where 28 civilians, primarily tourists, were shot dead by militants wearing reportedly Indian Army uniforms. Witnesses reported that the assailants were asking victims for names and compelling them to recite the Kalma before killing them at point-blank range.

The Resistance Front (TRF), popularly recognized as a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy, took responsibility for the violence, which authorities have attributed to cross-border terror infrastructure. The attack was, according to the government, planned intentionally to scuttle peace in the region during the ongoing democratic process.

 

India’s Diplomatic Offensive: Treaties, Visas, and Check Posts Scrapped

 

In an urgent meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, a landmark move symbolizing New Delhi’s resolve to hold Pakistan accountable. The Integrated Check Post at Attari was also closed, and all SAARC visa exemptions for Pakistani nationals were revoked.

Indian authorities revoked all existing visas granted under the SPES (Special Permission to Enter SAARC) program and directed Pakistani nationals in the country to leave within 48 hours. 

 

Trimmed Embassies, Expelled Military Attaches

 

In another blow to bilateral ties, India reduced the size of diplomatic missions to 30 members per side, from May 1. All Pakistani defense attaches in New Delhi were declared persona non grata and given a week to leave. At the same time, India said it was withdrawing its military advisors from its High Commission in Islamabad.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the moves are a reflection of the seriousness of the terror attack and are a part of a larger strategy to seek accountability from Pakistan.

 

Islamabad Hits Back with Warnings and Military Posturing

 

Pakistan’s National Security Committee convened to consider the situation, with the Defense Minister Khawaja Asif emphasizing the urgency. A senior Pakistani minister threatened ‘dire consequences’ if India carries out any ‘false flag operation.’ Defense analysts also observed heightened Pakistani air force activity along the Line of Control, fueling regional tensions.

As Pakistan prepares for its missile test and India is in a high alert mode, the ghost of 2019’s Pulwama-Balakot standoff haunts. Experts opine that one wrong move can snowball into a full-fledged conflict between two nuclear-capable foes.