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Tensions Escalate as Pakistan Downs Indian Drone, Mulls Legal Action Over Indus Treaty Suspension
Pakistan shoots down Indian drone near LoC as tensions rise after Pahalgam attack.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-29
Tensions Escalate as Pakistan Downs Indian Drone, Mulls Legal Action Over Indus Treaty Suspension

The Pakistan Army on Tuesday shot down an Indian quadcopter near the Line of Control (LoC) in Bhimber district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, as diplomatic and military tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours rise following the deadly Pahalgam attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

State-run Radio Pakistan and PTV News reported that the drone was downed in the Manawar sector, thwarting an attempted surveillance operation by Indian forces. “The timely action is a testament to the professional vigilance of the Pakistan Army,” security officials said.

The incident marks a significant flare-up amid ongoing cross-border exchanges of fire reported for five consecutive nights, the most serious ceasefire violations since 2021. India has accused Pakistan-linked elements of involvement in the April 22 attack, a claim Islamabad denies.

PM Shehbaz Sharif has called for a neutral international probe and warned against “unfounded allegations” and “escalatory rhetoric.”

Pakistan Reinforces Border, Warns of Imminent Threat

In a bold statement, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned of a possible Indian incursion, telling Reuters:

“We have reinforced our forces… some strategic decisions have been taken.”

Asif later told local media that the “next two to three days are crucial” and indicated the military had briefed the government on the threat.

Pakistan to Challenge India’s Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty

In response to India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) — a key agreement on water sharing — Pakistan’s Minister of State for Law Aqeel Malik said Islamabad is preparing legal action through multiple channels, including the World Bank, Permanent Court of Arbitration, and International Court of Justice.

“The treaty cannot be suspended unilaterally… such an action would be considered an act of war,” the National Security Committee said last week.

Cyberattacks and Information Security Alerts

IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed cyberattacks on ministry websites had been successfully foiled, and emphasized Pakistan’s cybersecurity capacity, referencing the country’s Top Tier-1 ranking in the Global Cybersecurity Index.

The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (N-CERT) also issued a public advisory warning against the spread of sensitive information, including troop movements on social media.

Indian Crackdown in Occupied Kashmir

India has shut down over 55% of tourist sites in occupied Kashmir, citing security concerns. The Pahalgam attack saw armed assailants target Hindu men in a rare act of communal violence in the region.

Tourism, which had begun to recover in recent years, has been severely impacted, with panicked tourists rushing to leave.

Calls for Restraint: Global Reactions

The UAE, China, Türkiye, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the US, and the UK have urged both countries to de-escalate and engage in dialogue.

“Promoting dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes is the only way forward,” said UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed in a call with FM Ishaq Dar.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan echoed similar sentiments, warning against the crisis spiraling into broader conflict.
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