On May 21, 2025, India expelled a Pakistani diplomat from New Delhi, accusing the official of “activities incompatible with diplomatic norms” without providing specifics.
Pakistan condemned the move as “unwarranted” and retaliated by expelling Indian diplomats, canceling visas for Indian citizens (except Sikh pilgrims), and closing its side of the Wagah border crossing. Islamabad framed these actions as a response to India’s “hostility” and attempts to deflect from alleged human rights violations in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Pahalgam Attack and India’s Retaliation
The diplomatic rupture followed a April 22 militant attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 Indians. India blamed Pakistan-based groups, a claim Islamabad rejected as “baseless.” In response, India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, revoked visas for Pakistani nationals, and closed border crossings—steps Pakistan denounced as “collective punishment” and an effort to obscure “state-sponsored repression” in Kashmir.
Military Escalation
On May 9, India launched missile strikes targeting Pakistani airbases in Nur Khan, Murid, and Shorkot. Pakistan’s military reported shooting down 80 Indian drones (including Israeli Heron UAVs) and six fighter jets, three of which were French-made Rafales. In retaliation, Pakistan initiated Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, described as “precise and proportionate” strikes on Indian military targets across the Line of Control (LoC). Islamabad asserted the operation aimed to counter “unprovoked aggression” and protect sovereignty.
Ceasefire and International Diplomacy
After 87 hours of intense fighting, a U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect on May 10. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry emphasized its commitment to “peace, not at the cost of sovereignty,” and called for international accountability against India’s “territorial violations”. Despite the truce, both nations have accused each other of repeated LoC violations, with Pakistan alleging India’s use of artillery and drones to target civilian areas.
Fragile Truce
Analysts in Pakistan, including Quaid-e-Azam University scholar Farhan Hanif Siddiqi, noted that nationalist narratives in both countries undermine ceasefire sustainability. Islamabad has highlighted Turkey’s military support, including drone supplies, as critical to countering Indian offensives. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s leadership faces domestic pressure to address India’s “aggressive posturing” while navigating economic strain from prolonged tensions.