Pahalgam Terror Attack : Live Updates, India-Pakistan Tensions, Army Response

The deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 tourists has plunged India and Pakistan into renewed tension. As of Friday morning, April 25, 2025, the situation continues to evolve rapidly, with major developments unfolding on military, diplomatic, and civil fronts.

Army Mobilisation and Counter-Terror Operations

Early today, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi landed in Srinagar to personally assess the security situation in the region. His visit underscores the seriousness of the government's response. He was joined by Lt. Gen. M. V. Suchindra Kumar, the Northern Army Commander, for high-level briefings with local commanders.

Security forces have intensified operations in South Kashmir. Notably, the homes of two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists suspected to be involved in the attack were demolished overnight in a crackdown on terror infrastructure.

Additionally, exchange of fire across the Line of Control (LoC) has been reported, further escalating military tensions. This follows India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a treaty considered sacrosanct even during past wars, now seen as a direct warning to Pakistan.

Read more: Indian Army Chief reviews situation in Kashmir

Comparison of the Military Strength of India and Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/rHQ2I59Jy0 — I.A Shares (@IASharing) April 24, 2025

India-Pakistan Diplomatic Breakdown

The decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and shut down the Attari-Wagah border has provoked a sharp response from Pakistan. Pakistan's foreign office has termed India’s actions as an “act of war.” Defense officials in Islamabad have even suggested the possibility of a false flag operation, attempting to deflect responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, India has summoned Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner and lodged a strong protest. Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that all bilateral engagements have been suspended indefinitely.

You can follow real-time updates on this diplomatic fallout via NDTV's Pahalgam live blog.

U.S. Response and Global Reactions

Internationally, India is receiving strong support. The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee issued a rare rebuke of The New York Times for referring to the attackers as “militants” rather than terrorists, stating: “This was a terrorist attack, plain and simple.”

India’s allies in the Quad and the European Union have also condemned the violence. Calls for Pakistan to dismantle terror networks operating within its borders have grown louder.

More on this at India Today’s global reactions summary.

Civilian Heroes and Local Solidarity

Amid the horror, stories of courage and compassion have emerged. Members of the Pony Handlers Association in Pahalgam risked their lives to evacuate injured tourists during the firing. Many residents provided shelter, while local gurudwaras in Kashmir opened their doors to stranded victims and families.

In a rare move, even religious organisations like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) have issued strong condemnations of the attack. The group has also paused its protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in solidarity with the victims.

See detailed eyewitness accounts on Times of India.

The Road Ahead: Escalation or Resolution?

The next few days will be crucial. While India prepares for a prolonged security operation in Jammu and Kashmir, there are growing concerns that the diplomatic rupture could affect regional stability and international airspace agreements.

Already, flights over Pakistani airspace have been rerouted or canceled, affecting carriers like Air India and IndiGo. Analysts warn that without diplomatic de-escalation, the subcontinent could face a prolonged period of unrest.

Read about airspace impact here: Hindustan Times – Air travel disruptions