May 2025: India-Pakistan War ,31 Pakistanis Killed, 5 Indian Fighter Jets Downed! Who Won?
By: Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada
In May 2025, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply, reportedly triggered by a terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The attack killed 26 Indian nationals, most of whom were Hindu tourists. India blamed Pakistan for the incident, while Pakistan strongly denied involvement, condemned the attack, and offered to facilitate an international investigation. However, several critics argued that the attack was orchestrated by India’s own deep state — much like the controversial incident during former U.S. President Bill Clinton’s visit to India years ago, in which the Kashmiri community was also affected.
In reference to that 2000 incident, President Clinton had revealed that lives were lost during his India visit something he deeply regretted and he had come to understand that such attacks were carried out by deep state elements. A similar pattern was reportedly observed during the recent visit of U.S. Vice President JD Vance to India, raising further suspicions.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/03/22/kashmir-killings-mar-clinton-visit-to-india/69d9136a-d522-4e3e-bdac-4807604a061a/
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/mar/22/india.kashmir
https://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/22/world/pall-cast-by-sikhs-slayings-settles-over-clinton-visit.html
On May 6, after days of narrative-building in Indian media and political circles, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir through aerial strikes. India claimed the targets were terrorist training camps.
However, it was later discovered that the casualties were all innocent civilians, including children. Pakistan condemned the attacks as a violation of its sovereignty, reporting that 31 of its citizens many of them children — were killed, and dozens more were injured.
In response, Pakistan launched a retaliatory strike, downing five Indian fighter jets and one drone a claim that was also verified by international media outlets.
Prior to this military escalation, both nations had already scaled back diplomatic relations, suspended visa services, and shut down border trade routes. India further escalated tensions by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and halting water flow to Pakistan a move Pakistan described as an “act of war.”
The global community including the United States, China, and the United Nations expressed serious concern and urged both nations to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue for a peaceful resolution. Both the U.S. and Iran offered to mediate, with Iran initiating direct talks with leaders from both countries.
Tourism in Kashmir, a vital economic sector for both India and Pakistan, suffered heavily due to the crisis. Hotel bookings and visits to tourist sites dropped significantly, negatively impacting the local economy.
Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions are ongoing. However, a permanent resolution is needed to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region.
A compilation of the photos and videos shared on social media during the India-Pakistan conflict is included in the attached video.
