Pahalgam Terror Attack Highlights: 'Stand with India,' says US defence secretary Hegseth after speaking to Rajnath

Pahalgam Terror Attack Highlights: 'Stand with India,' says US defence secretary Hegseth after speaking to Rajnath

Pahalgam Terror Attack Live Updates: Amid rising expectations of a retaliatory strike following the Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly granted the armed forces full operational freedom to determine the timing, targets, and method of response against Pakistan. At a high-level meeting with defence minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, he expressed complete trust in the forces’ capabilities and assured them of full political backing for any necessary action.

In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people—mostly tourists—dead, the Indian government has ramped up security, investigative, and diplomatic efforts. On Tuesday, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan led a high-level meeting with top officials from the BSF, NSG, Assam Rifles, and other agencies to review the situation. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally taken charge of the investigation, dispatching teams to Anantnag to reconstruct the events, identify suspects, and gather forensic evidence.

Amid heightened tensions, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and mandated the departure of all Pakistani nationals without long-term or diplomatic visas by April 29. The Home Ministry has directed state governments to ensure strict implementation of this order.

Meanwhile, ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces have persisted for a fifth straight night, now spreading to the Akhnoor sector. In retaliation, Indian forces have intensified counter-terror operations across Kashmir. J&K police have conducted raids and demolished nine properties linked to active militants.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to bring those responsible for the attack to justice. An all-party meeting voiced unanimous support for a firm response, signaling a united political front against terrorism and cross-border aggression.
THE TIMES OF INDIA | May 02, 2025, 05:29:31 IST
FacebookTwitterLinkedinEMail
  • News
  • India News
  • Pahalgam Terror Attack Highlights: 'Stand with India,' says US defence secretary Hegseth after speaking to Rajnath
Pahalgam Terror Attack Highlights: 'Stand with India,' says US defence secretary Hegseth after speaking to Rajnath
05:29 (IST) May 02
Indians in Singapore offer condolences to Pahalgam terror victims
Members of the Indian diaspora in Singapore gathered on Thursday to offer heartfelt condolences to the families of victims of the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which left 26 people—mostly tourists—dead.

Over 250 people attended the solemn remembrance ceremony organized by the High Commission of India at its chancery, standing in solidarity with those affected by the tragedy.

"What happened on 22nd April was a terrorist attack and 26 innocent lives were lost. And the manner of the attack and how they were singled out is very unprecedented," high commissioner Shilpak Ambule said.
02:43 (IST) May 02
Pakistan refused to open the Wagah border crossing on Thursday, leaving dozens of its nationals—including those deported from India—stranded in no-man’s-land as diplomatic tensions deepened. Indian officials confirmed no Pakistani citizens were allowed to cross, although Afghan trucks were granted entry under what Pakistan’s foreign ministry described as “brotherly relations” with Afghanistan. Pakistan had permitted its citizens to return until April 29, but with the gates now shut, families remain trapped by the ongoing visa suspension imposed after the April 20 Pahalgam terror attack.
00:58 (IST) May 02
"We don't want people going after Muslims or Kashmiris. We only want peace right now. Of course, we want justice, but the govt must take precise steps against specifically those who did us wrong. They must be punished strictly," Himanshi said during a blood donation camp in Haryana's Karnal on would have been the naval officer's 27th birthday celebration.
00:50 (IST) May 02
Terrorism is stain on humanity, says Salim Merchant on Pahalgam terror attack
"This is a huge shock to India... Humanity seems to have ended...agar aap dharm ke naam par kisi ki jaan le rahe ho to Islam to ye sikhata hi nahi (If you are killing someone in the name of religion, then Islam does not teach this).. Terrorism is in itself an illness and a stain on humanity...", he told ANI.
23:51 (IST) May 01
Pakistan PM, President meet amid tension with India, vow 'befitting' response to any aggression
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met on Thursday to review the country’s security situation amid heightened tensions with India following the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead. In their first meeting since the incident, the leaders reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to defending its territorial integrity and sovereignty, vowing to respond decisively and appropriately to any act of aggression, according to an official statement.

"Pakistani nation is united and stands behind its armed forces, who are capable of responding to any threat or aggression," the leaders said.
23:30 (IST) May 01
'Stand with India,' says US defence secretary Hegseth after speaking to Rajnath
"Today, I spoke with Indian Defense Minister Singh @rajnathsingh to personally extend my deepest condolences for the loss of life in the heinous terrorist attack last week. I offered my strong support. We stand with India and its great people," he said.
22:24 (IST) May 01
70 Pakistanis stranded at Attari border as deadline expires: Officials
As many as 70 Pakistani nationals were stranded here on Thursday, officials said, as the deadline for leaving India expired a day earlier. The Attari-Wagah border was shut on Thursday after being kept open till April 30.

The Centre issued the 'Leave India' notice to Pakistani nationals after 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by terrorists with Pakistan links in Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22.

The deadline for exiting India for those holding SAARC visas was April 26. For those carrying medical visas, the deadline was April 29.

The deadline for 12 other categories of visas was April 27. These were visas on arrival and visas for business, film, journalists, transit, conferences, mountaineering, students, visitors, group tourists, pilgrims and group pilgrims.

After the expiry of the deadline, no one from Pakistan or India could cross over to each other's country.
22:21 (IST) May 01
Pakistani woman married to CRPF constable allowed back to Jammu from Attari after HC intervention
After the Indian Government cancelled all kinds of visas of Pakistani nationals currently in India, Minal Khan, a Pakistani national who was married to a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) constable in Jammu was granted a last-minute relief by the J&K High Court.

Khan's advocate, Ankur Sharma, told ANI that due to not having a long-term visa, Meenal Khan was deported to the Attari border.

Advocate Sharma also mentioned that Khan, who entered India on a visiting visa and had applied for a long-term visa after marrying Constable Munir Ahmed, was sent back amid tightened security measures.

"Munir Ahmed, who is a CRPF constable, got married to Pakistani national Meenal Khan 2.5 months ago. She came to India on a visiting visa and then applied for a long-term visa. After the Pahalgam attack, in the order issued by the Indian government, two types of people were exempted, one is diplomatic visa holders, and the second is long-term visa holders. She had appeared for the interview for a long-term visa, and positive recommendations were sent to MHA for giving her a long-term visa," Ankur Sharma said.
20:57 (IST) May 01
It’s said to be “higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the seas.” They also claim to be “all-weather friends.” General Xiong Guangkai, former intelligence chief of the PLA, reportedly called Pakistan “China’s Israel” during a meeting with his US counterparts.

But adjectives apart, how far will President Xi Jinping go to help Pakistan if India opts for a kinetic military response to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack? Will Xi be willing to commit forces or be just limited to issuing diplomatic statements?
20:23 (IST) May 01
Pahalgam Terror Attack Live: Indians in Singapore offer condolences to Pahalgam terror victims
Members of the Indian diaspora in Singapore on Thursday offered their heartfelt condolences to the families of Pahalgam terror attack victims. Terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22.

More than 250 people from the Indian diaspora attended the solemn remembrance ceremony organised here by the High Commission of India at the chancery.

"What happened on 22nd April was a terrorist attack and 26 innocent lives were lost. And the manner of the attack and how they were singled out is very unprecedented," High Commissioner Shilpak Ambule said.

The Singapore government has already condemned the unprecedented killing of the tourists.
19:32 (IST) May 01
Members of the Indian community in the United Kingdom turned out in large numbers on Wednesday to express solidarity amid Pahalgam terror attack and counter a protest by pro-Khalistani and Pakistani demonstrators outside the Indian high commission in London.

Waving the Indian tricolour and chanting slogans against terrorism, the diaspora stood united in denouncing the recent terror attack in Pahalgam where 26 civilians were killed. The demonstration was organised as a powerful rebuttal to the anti-India rally, which was organised by fringe separatist elements.
19:06 (IST) May 01
Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday, in his first public response to the Pahalgam terror attack, delivered a stern warning to those behind the killing of 26 civilians in Kashmir. Reflecting the government’s tough stance, Shah said, “Whoever carried out dastardly attack in Pahalgam will not be spared,” adding, “Har vyakti ko chun chun ke jawab bhi milega, jawab bhi diya jayega.”

Speaking at a public gathering, he declared, “This is the Narendra Modi government; no one will be spared. It is our resolve to uproot terrorism from every inch of this country and it will be accomplished.”
18:15 (IST) May 01
The Attari-Wagah border crossing between India and Pakistan was completely closed on Thursday after a week of heavy cross-border public movement. The surge followed the central government's directive requiring Pakistani nationals on short-term visas to leave the country.

The order came in response to the April 22 terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists, in an assault traced to Pakistan-based terrorists.
18:14 (IST) May 01
'Har vyakti ko chun chun ke jawab bhi milega': Amit Shah on Pahalgam attack
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "Har vyakti ko chun chun ke jawab bhi milega, jawab bhi diya jayega..."

"This is the Narendra Modi government; no one will be spared. It is our resolve to uproot terrorism from every inch of this country and it will be accomplished...," said home minister Amit Shah
18:02 (IST) May 01
Pahalgam Terror Attack Live: Defence minister Rajnath Singh posts on X after his conversation with US counterpart Pete Hegseth
17:45 (IST) May 01
'This is Modi govt, no one will be spared,' Amit Shah warns on Pahalgam attack
Union home minister Amit Shah said, "If someone, by doing a cowardly attack, thinks that it is their big victory, then understand one thing, this is the Narendra Modi government, no one will be spared. It is our resolve to uproot terrorism from every inch of this country and it will be accomplished. Not only 140 crore Indians but the whole world is standing with India in this fight, all the countries of the world have come together and are standing with the people of India in this fight against terrorism. I want to reiterate the resolve that until terrorism is eradicated, our fight will continue and those who have committed it will certainly be given appropriate punishment."
17:06 (IST) May 01
Defence minister Rajnath Singh speaks with US counterpart, defence secretary Pete Hegseth
17:03 (IST) May 01
Pahalgam attack aftermath: Attari-Wagah border between India and Pakistan completely shut
The Attari-Wagah border crossing point between India and Pakistan was shut completely on Thursday following a week-long heavy rush of people from either side to cross over after the Union government ordered all Pakistani citizens with short-term visa to leave India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, sources said. The Attari-Wagah border crossing point is completely closed now and no one from either country crossed over to the other side on Thursday, two sources confirmed.

A total of 125 Pakistani nationals left India on Wednesday through the Attari-Wagah border, taking the total number of Pakistanis leaving the country to 911 in the last seven days.

Fifteen Indian citizens with Pakistani visa also crossed over to Pakistan on Wednesday, taking the total number of such people exiting India to 23.

Similarly, 152 Indian nationals and 73 Pakistani nationals with long-term Indian visa have entered India through the international border crossing point in Punjab's Amritsar district, taking the total number of such people to 1,617 and 224, respectively.
16:52 (IST) May 01
Pahalgam Terror Attack Live: Pakistan partially closes Karachi, Lahore airspace till May 31
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has issued a fresh NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) announcing the temporary closure of specific portions of airspace in two cities, ARY News reported.

The restricted airspace will remain closed daily from May 1 to May 31, 2025, between 4am and 8pm (local time). Aviation sources stated that the closure has been implemented for security reasons.

Despite the restrictions, commercial flight operations will continue uninterrupted through alternative routes.

Air traffic controllers will manage rerouted flights to ensure safe and smooth operations.
15:43 (IST) May 01
Pahalgam Terror Attack Live: NIA DG Sadanand Vasant Date leaves from Pahalgam
15:38 (IST) May 01

This was not an attack on Pahalgam but an attack on the life of every Indian. Every child whose father was killed in front of him, every wife whose husband was killed in front of her - this will stay with every Indian. The need of the hour is that our response and steps should be such that everyone understands that India knows how to respond to such an act.

Actor Sonu Sood

15:27 (IST) May 01
Condemning the massacre of 25 tourists and a Kashmiri local in J&K’s Pahalgam, Mohamad Kalu, a former terrorist who renounced terrorism over two decades ago has called on the government to take tough, unrelenting action against Pakistan for sponsoring cross-border terror.

The attack, among the deadliest on civilians in the Valley since the abrogation of Article 370, was carried out by terrorists dressed in Army fatigues and aligned with the ISI-backed Lashkar proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF).
15:21 (IST) May 01
Himanshi Narwal, the wife of Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was among the 26 killed in the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, made a heartfelt appeal for peace amid the nationwide outrage.

In a video shared by news agency ANI, Himanshi, a PhD scholar from Gurugram, said, “We don’t want people going against Muslims or Kashmiris. We want peace and only peace. Of course, we want justice.”
14:52 (IST) May 01
Pahalgam Terror Attack Live: 'Everything should be banned with anyone who disturbs our peace,' says Suniel Shetty on Pak artists
Actor Suniel Shetty has supported the ban on Pakistani artists in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, saying art and cricket are not possible with anyone who "tries to disturb our peace and kills innocent people". As responsible citizens of the country, it is important to stay united and not let any anyone spread hatred in the aftermath of the attack, in which 26 people were killed, Shetty said.

After the attack in Pahalgam mountains on April 22, there were calls for a ban on the movie "Abir Gulaal", featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan.The movie was earlier slated for release on May 9. Last week, government sources said the film will not be allowed to release in theatres in India.

"Everything should be banned with anybody who tries to disturb our peace and kills innocent people. Anything and everything should be banned. Cricket, movies, everything. First correct what has been done wrong and then everything will be right again... We come from a place where we say dharma, karma and seva," Shetty told PTI.

"The honourable Prime Minister has given the Army the responsibility of taking the decision and I think the men in uniform will do what they have to do. We stay one, we stay united and don't allow anybody to spread hatred. That's all we need to do as responsible citizens," he added.
14:33 (IST) May 01
Pahalgam Terror Attack Live Updates: 'PM has said that we will find terrorists and their patrons,' says Union minister Anupriya Patel
Union minister Anupriya Patel said, "The Pahalgam incident is very cruel, shameful. I would appeal to everyone that this is the time for all of us to unite and give a befitting reply to terrorism. The government is sensitive, serious, and the Prime Minister has clearly said that we will find the terrorists and their patrons and they will be given harsh punishment beyond their imagination."
14:25 (IST) May 01
Navy carrying out drills in Arabian Sea, warships on alert against 'unusual activity'
Indian Navy carrying out exercises in the Arabian Sea extensively in its Exclusive Economic Zone. Warships on alert against any unusual activity. Multiple anti-ship and anti-aircraft firings have been conducted in the area in recent times. Indian Coast Guard vessels are also deployed in forward areas near the International Maritime boundary off the Gujarat coast. Indian Navy strengthening presence in the entire area of responsibility in the region: Defence sources
12:45 (IST) May 01
Terror plot foiled near Indo-Pakistan border in Amritsar after BSF and Punjab police recover a substantial cache of arms, ammunition and grenades near village Bharopal. Recoveries include 3 pistols with 6 magazines, 50 live rounds & 2 hand grenades.
11:21 (IST) May 01
NIA chief reaches Pahalgam to review probe
10:24 (IST) May 01
India's airspace closure to hit Pakistan hard; northern routes to be affected, says former Air Marshal Kapoor
Pakistan's decision to block Indian airlines from using their airspace will have a limited impact on its southern and western flight operations but will significantly affect northern routes, particularly from New Delhi, according to Air Marshal (Retd) Sanjeev Kapoor.

However, Kapoor said India's decision to close its airspace to Pakistan's airlines in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack is expected to severely disrupt Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operations, increasing flight times and costs.

In a self-made video, Marshal Kapoor explained, "Our flights operating from North India, international flights, especially from Delhi, get affected because we have to go to Gujarat and thereafter follow the westbound route over the Arabian Sea into the UAE and then further on. However, international flights operate south of Gujarat, specifically from Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai - they are not affected at all."

"So there is not much implication for any of the flights operating from the southern Peninsula in our country except for flights operating out of the Delhi area for us," he added.
10:24 (IST) May 01
Set to be deported, Pak national dies of cardiac arrest in Amritsar
A 69-year-old Pakistani national, who was to be sent back to his nation, died of cardiac arrest here on Wednesday, officials said. Abdul Waheed was brought from Srinagar by the Jammu and Kashmir Police for his repatriation to Pakistan.

He had been living in India for the last 17 years and was found with an expired visa by the police, they said.

Meanwhile, a total of 224 Indian nationals and Pakistani citizens who were holding No Obligation to Return to India (NORI) visas crossed over to India through the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the Attari border. A total of 139 Pakistani nationals crossed over to the other side.

Monika Rajani, 35, a Pakistani passport holder having NORI and Long Term Visa (LTV), crossed over to India along with her five-year-old India-born daughter Saimara.

She said, "I have crossed over to India from Pakistan in a panic with the fear that ICP may be closed at any time. I belong to a Hindu family and married a Hindu man at Vijayawada around nine years back. My in-laws and husband from Vijayawada were waiting here to receive me."
10:12 (IST) May 01
AAP MP Sanjay Singh alleges Modi govt using caste census to deflect attention from Pahalgam attack
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh said the caste enumeration in the forthcoming census was announced by the government to deflect attention from the Pahalgam terror attack. Singh told reporters at the residence of AAP national spokesperson Sarvesh Mishra in Panditpura village on Wednesday that the Aam Aadmi Party supports the caste census but the BJP government will forget about it after the Bihar elections.

Questioning the government's intent behind the caste census decision, the AAP leader compared it to the Women's Reservation Bill, saying "nothing has been done to implement it".

"Similarly, you've announced the caste census, but there is no budget allocation, no timeline. Once Bihar elections are over, you will forget about it," Singh said.

"The entire nation was waiting to see how the government would act to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and eliminate terrorists. Instead, 26 unarmed and innocent tourists were killed. Terrorists challenged us on our own soil, and the government is trying to distract people by bringing up the caste census issue," he said.

Singh, a Rajya Sabha MP, said the country should know how many people belong to which caste so that benefits of government schemes can be allocated accordingly.
09:19 (IST) May 01
Pakistan has appointed spy chief Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik as the new National Security Adviser (NSA) amidst raging tension with India. Malik was appointed as the director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in October 2024.

According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Tuesday, General Malik was formally given the task of the NSA.

"Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik HI (M), DG (I), shall hold the additional charge of the National Security Adviser, with immediate effect," the notification stated.

He is the country's tenth NSA, but it is for the first time that a serving ISI chief was given the task to serve concurrently in the two key positions.
08:23 (IST) May 01
Pakistani troops opened fire across the Line of Control (LoC) for the seventh consecutive day, the Indian Army reported on Thursday. In response to the ceasefire violation, Indian forces returned fire in a proportionate manner.

"During the night of April 30 to May 1, Pakistani Army posts carried out unprovoked small-arms fire across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Our troops responded proportionately," Indian Army officials told news agency ANI.

The latest violation comes despite a hotline conversation on Wednesday between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of India and Pakistan, aimed at addressing the ongoing cross-border firing. During the call, the Indian DGMO is said to have strongly warned his Pakistani counterpart about the continued ceasefire breaches by Pakistani forces along both the LoC and the International Border.

Tensions have been particularly high since the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where 26 male tourists were killed by Pakistan-backed militants. India has pledged to bring those responsible to justice and has accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism.
07:42 (IST) May 01
Pahalgam Attack Live: 'Perpetrators, backers must be brought to justice,' Jaishankar raises J&K attack with US
External affairs minister S Jaishankar in social media post on X, said, "Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with the US Secretary Marco Rubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice."
06:36 (IST) May 01
Pahalgam Attack Live: Former Indian Hockey player and son of Hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, Ashok Kumar condemns Pahalgam attack
"Era of sports, the mindset of sports that encompasses friendship and harmony is different...But I would like to say that it is very clear on whose behest this incident was done, which country supported them for the terrorists to come in and shoot the innocent people. This is an evil act. They should not forget that our country stands with the Tiranga...today, the saffon colour stands for sacrifice. We need to show that colour today and under that nothing should be taken up with Pakistan which is not in the interest of the nation. If there is something which is against the country, we should not take it up ahead with them," he said.
05:54 (IST) May 01
Pahalgam Attack Live: Grandmaster Koneru Humpy condoles death of Pahalgam attack victims
"It was very sad...It is a pity that the incident happened and we lost many people. I pray for the families to recover from that and to stay strong," she said.
05:09 (IST) May 01
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate conversations with external affairs minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, urging both sides to de-escalate tensions. Rubio expressed condolences for the victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, reaffirmed US support for counterterrorism cooperation with India, and pressed Sharif to condemn the attack and cooperate with investigations.
04:05 (IST) May 01
Padma Awardees Doctors Forum condemns Pahalgam attack
In a strong show of solidarity and compassion, the Padma Awardees Doctors Forum—comprising some of India’s most eminent medical professionals—has condemned the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. In a heartfelt letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the 82-member forum expressed profound grief and indignation over the tragic incident. "An act of terror that so brutally extinguishes lives is not only a national tragedy but also a profound moral affront," the letter stated.
02:54 (IST) May 01
While the Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) reviewed possible retaliatory measures against cross-border planners of the Pahalgam attack, Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha held a parallel high-level security meeting in Jammu, directing officials to dismantle the terror ecosystem by eliminating all local support networks aiding the perpetrators.

The meeting, convened to assess the security situation following the deadly attack, was attended by key officials including J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary (Home) Chandraker Bharti, Additional DGP (CID) Nitish Kumar, LG’s Principal Secretary Mandeep K. Bhandari, IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, and DIG Shiv Kumar Sharma of the Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range.
02:47 (IST) May 01
The Jammu & Kashmir high court on Wednesday stayed the deportation of police head constable Ifthkar Ali and his eight siblings to Pakistan, ruling that they appear to be bona fide residents of the Union territory. The family, who had been moved to the Attari border in Punjab, is now returning to their home in Poonch district.

Authorities had served deportation notices to the 45-year-old officer, his five sisters, and four brothers on April 26, alleging they were Pakistani nationals. They were detained the following day and sent to Attari as part of a wider government crackdown launched in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
02:42 (IST) May 01
Pahalgam Attack Live: Egypt reaffirms support to India after Pahalgam attack
"Both sides agreed to strengthen joint efforts in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The two sides exchanged views on terror threats in their respective countries and regions," said the Indian govt in a statement. "Both sides discussed ways to strengthen areas of cooperation to counter new and emerging challenges such as use of technology for terrorist purposes and financing of terrorism," it said.
02:25 (IST) May 01
As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate, the international community has stepped up calls for restraint, urging both nations to avoid further military confrontation. Key Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, voiced concern over the deteriorating situation, particularly the continued cross-border exchanges, and urged a return to dialogue and diplomacy.

Over the past few days, Gulf countries have maintained active communication with leadership in both New Delhi and Islamabad. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emphasizing the need for de-escalation.
01:32 (IST) May 01
US secy tells Pakistan PM to 'work with India to de-escalate tensions, re-establish direct communications, and maintain peace and security in South Asia'
Today, secretary Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistan's PM Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and encouraged Pakistan to work with India to de-escalate tensions, re-establish direct communications, and maintain peace and security in South Asia. The Secretary spoke of the need to condemn the terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam. Both leaders reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence. The Secretary urged Pakistani officials' cooperation in investigating this unconscionable attack, said US state department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
01:14 (IST) May 01
Pahalgam Attack Live: US secretary Marco Rubio speaks to Jaishankar, urges India to 'work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia'
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar today. The secretary expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism. He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia, said US state department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
01:11 (IST) May 01
Pahalgam Attack Live: US secretary Marco Rubio asks Pakistan to condemn Pahalgam attack
As regional tensions rise following the Kashmir attack, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif accused India of engaging in “escalatory and provocative behavior” during a phone conversation with US secretary of state Marco Rubio, according to a statement from Islamabad. "India's provocations would only serve to distract Pakistan from its ongoing efforts to defeat terrorism, particularly from militant groups," Sharif said.
00:52 (IST) May 01
Amid escalating tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) and beyond, the Indian government is reportedly considering limited punitive strikes using long-range precision weapons as a preferred military response—without physically crossing the LoC. This potential course of action is being weighed during a broader security review by the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Meanwhile, cross-border exchanges between Indian and Pakistani forces have extended to the international boundary in Jammu and Kashmir. On Tuesday afternoon, the Indian Army issued a stern warning via the DGMO-level hotline, urging the Pakistan Army to cease “unprovoked” small arms fire across multiple sectors, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Naushera, Sunderbani, Akhnoor, and Poonch.
00:33 (IST) May 01
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI and the government have significantly increased security for Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed, anticipating a possible covert operation, sources said.

Elite commandos from the Special Service Group have reportedly been assigned to his security, with reinforcements deployed at his residences, including his home in Lahore’s Mohalla Johar—a densely populated area surrounded by a mosque, madrassa, and civilian homes, strategically chosen to deter external action.

Though officially imprisoned, Saeed’s residence has been designated a temporary sub-jail, with a dedicated control room set up to monitor activity within a one-kilometre radius using gesture-detection CCTV systems, according to sources.
00:18 (IST) May 01
Pakistan vows fierce response to Indian aggression
Pakistan vowed a strong and proportionate response to any Indian aggression, warning that any attempt to divert its water share or initiate military action would be met with decisive force.

Dismissing India’s allegations linking Islamabad to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives, Pakistani officials condemned what they described as India’s “propaganda campaign” and “unlawful” suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). They also accused New Delhi of crafting a “choreographed narrative” to justify its actions.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, foreign minister Ishaq Dar, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, and foreign office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan charged India with spreading “provocative falsehoods” and destabilizing the region.
00:10 (IST) May 01
Tensions escalated sharply on Wednesday following a 2am advisory in Pakistan warning of a potential Indian military strike within 24 to 36 hours. The alert triggered a flurry of official statements and media reports, including claims by state-run outlets that Pakistan Air Force jets scrambled to intercept and allegedly forced four Indian Rafale fighters to retreat near the Line of Control (LoC).

Additional reports suggested that two Indian surveillance drones were shot down in the Bhimber and Kotli sectors. Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif pledged a “decisive response” to any cross-border aggression. Meanwhile, information minister Attaullah Tarar cited “credible intelligence” indicating the possibility of imminent Indian military action, adding to the atmosphere of heightened alert.
00:02 (IST) May 01
A Kashmiri Pandit organisation on Wednesday warned of a permanent exodus of the community from the Kashmir Valley if adequate security measures are not swiftly implemented around their settlements and religious sites.

“We are seriously concerned and pained to the core with the recent intelligence reports suggesting an imminent danger to Kashmiri Pandits and non-Muslim migrant labourers in Kashmir Valley,” Sanjay Tickoo, president of Kashmiri Pandit Sangarash Samiti (KPSS), said. “A report that The Resistance Front (TRF) is orchestrating targeted retaliatory strikes in the wake of the razing of nine terror-linked houses is a spine-chilling reminder that the tiny religious minority in Kashmir is forever hostages to the guns of both the state and non-state actors,” he added.
44 More Updates
On Wednesday night, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke separately with Indian external affairs minister Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging both leaders to take steps to ease rising tensions between their nations. The appeal comes in the aftermath of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which has strained India-Pakistan relations.

According to US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Secretary Rubio expressed condolences for the victims of the "horrific terrorist attack" during his call with Dr. Jaishankar. He reaffirmed the United States' strong commitment to counterterrorism cooperation with India and encouraged both countries to pursue dialogue to preserve peace and security in South Asia.

Following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives, most of them tourists, the Union government has significantly stepped up its security and diplomatic actions. On Tuesday, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired a high-level security review with top officials from paramilitary forces including the BSF, NSG, Assam Rifles, and SSB. Though details remain confidential, the meeting underscored the urgency of preventing further attacks.

Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially taken charge of the probe. Under the Home Ministry's guidance, multiple NIA teams—comprising senior officers, forensic experts, and technical analysts—have been deployed to reconstruct the events, examine key locations, collect evidence, and question witnesses.

On the diplomatic front, India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, citing Pakistani violations. The Cabinet Committee on Security also ordered all Pakistani nationals without diplomatic or long-term visas to leave India by April 29. To ensure compliance, Home Minister Amit Shah reached out to state chief ministers, while the Home Secretary held a video conference with state chief secretaries, stressing strict enforcement.
No records available under this tab