Missiles fired from India struck multiple locations across Pakistan
India fired missiles at Pakistan territories early Wednesday in a major escalation of tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Islamabad has vowed to retaliate saying that Indian air strikes killed 31, while Delhi reported 10 deaths from Pakistani shelling on the border. Indian officials said “21 terrorist camps” were hit, but Pakistan said the air attacks targeted civilian areas in Sialkot, Shakargarh, Muridke, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad. Follow the developments below as it happened since Wednesday (May 7) early morning:
Highlights
Trump hopes clashes end ‘very quickly’
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Trump tells India and Pakistan to ‘stop’ clashes
US President Donald Trump called Wednesday for India and Pakistan to halt their fighting, the worst violence between the nuclear-armed countries in two decades.
“I want to see them stop,” Trump said at the White House, adding: “We get along with both countries very well, good relationships with both, and I want to see it stop. And if I can do anything to help, I will be there.”
Pakistan’s military says death toll rises to 31
The death toll from Indian air strikes and border firing on Pakistan rose to 31 on Wednesday, the country’s military said.
“The death toll has climbed to 31 and 57 others have been wounded,” Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said in a televised address.
In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Sharif condemned India’s strikes on Pakistan, stating, “India made a mistake.”
He suggested that India may have expected Pakistan to retreat but “forgot this is a nation that knows how to fight.”
Sharif claimed that within an hour of the strikes, Pakistani forces launched a “continuous fight” along the Line of Control (LoC), allegedly downing Indian jets, though New Delhi has yet to confirm the claim.
Sharif also reported that India’s strikes led to 26 deaths and left 46 others injured, including women and children. He added that a seven-year-old boy was killed while at home with his mother and brother.
‘Avoid travel’: China issues caution
China’s foreign ministry has urged its citizens to avoid areas near the India-Pakistan conflict zone.
Responding to concerns over the situation’s impact on Chinese nationals and airlines, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Wednesday that China is closely monitoring developments.
“We advise Chinese citizens and institutions in the affected areas to stay alert, enhance risk awareness, and avoid traveling to conflict zones,” Lin said. “In case of emergency, please contact the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate for assistance.”
07:18 PM, 7 May 2025
‘Stay informed’: UK warns citizens
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has advised its citizens to avoid all travel within 10 kilometres of the India-Pakistan border, 10 miles (around 16 km) of the Line of Control in Kashmir, and Pakistan’s Balochistan province.
In a statement, the FCDO noted: “On the night of May 6 (UK time), Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority announced the closure of its airspace for at least 48 hours. There are reports of flight diversions. British nationals should check with their airlines for the latest updates.”
The office added, “We are closely monitoring the situation. British nationals should stay updated with our travel advice and follow local authority guidance.”
06:04 PM, 7 May 2025
India conducts nationwide civil defense drills
India is carrying out nationwide civil defense drills on Wednesday, just hours after launching military strikes on targets in Pakistan.
Officials said the drills were planned in advance, based on a rare directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs ordering all states and union territories to participate — a move not seen in decades.
According to official updates on X, the exercises will take place at 244 locations and will involve emergency sirens, evacuation protocols, and blackout simulations.
Students participate in an emergency mock drill as part of the nationwide civil defence mock drill at a school in New Delhi on May 7, 2025, as border tensions surge.
India to conduct mock drill across 244 places today
Mock drills conducted at several locations in MP (IANS)
04:33 PM, 7 May 2025
UK PM urges ‘dialogue’ to halt clashes
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday urged “dialogue” and “de-escalation” after violence between Commonwealth members India and Pakistan.
“Rising tensions between India and Pakistan will be of serious concern for many across Britain,” he told parliament.
“We are engaging urgently with both countries, as well as other international partners, encouraging dialogue, de-escalation and the protection of civilians,” he added.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy also called for “restraint” between the two nuclear-armed neighbours after they exchanged heavy artillery fire leaving at least 38 dead in the worst tensions in two decades.
“The UK government is urging India and Pakistan to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward,” he said in a statement.
03:20 PM, 7 May 2025
EU urges India, Pakistan to deescalate immediately
The EU called on India and Pakistan to act immediately to deescalate after the most serious military confrontation between the nuclear-armed neighbours in two decades.
“We do urge both sides to show restraint and take immediate steps towards deescalation. The EU recalls the need for a negotiated, agreed and lasting, peaceful solution to the conflict,” EU foreign affairs spokesman Anouar El Anouni told reporters.
03:07 PM, 7 May 2025
US issues advisory to citizens in Pakistan
The US mission in Pakistan issued a security alert on Wednesday, urging American citizens to leave areas near active conflict zones.
“We are aware of reports of military strikes by India into Pakistan. This remains an evolving situation, and we are closely monitoring developments. US citizens are reminded of the ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory for areas near the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict. Additionally, the US Department of State has issued a ‘Reconsider Travel’ advisory for Pakistan,” the mission said in a statement
