By New Delhi, April 29, 2025 – As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, Indian military preparedness has intensified, with a 30-minute blackout drill conducted in the Ferozepur Cantonment area of Punjab on Sunday night. The precautionary measure followed a strong warning from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who vowed a decisive response to threats against the nation.
The security drill, conducted from 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM, involved shutting off all lights in the region after a warning siren was sounded. Officials confirmed that this was a routine procedure designed to assess readiness and response capabilities during high-alert situations. The exercise comes at a time when cross-border hostility is flaring up and the threat of conflict looms over the subcontinent.
Earlier in the day, speaking at an event in Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared, “It is my duty to give a strong and appropriate response to those who challenge India’s sovereignty.” He emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, decisive action is not only possible but expected.
Owaisi Demands Martyr Status, Urges Strong Response
Amid growing public outrage over the April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed 26 innocent lives, political leaders are urging the central government to take firm action. All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi, while addressing a rally in East Champaran, Bihar, called on the Modi government to teach Pakistan a lesson for allegedly backing terrorism. He also appealed for martyr status for the victims of the brutal assault.
Owaisi highlighted the sacrifice of Indian Navy officer Vinay Narwal, who was among those killed in the attack. Quoting Narwal’s widow, Himanshi Narwal, he stressed that she seeks justice, not revenge or hate. “She has shown the true spirit of India—asking for peace and unity, not hatred, even after losing her husband to terror,” he said. He cautioned against dividing society on religious lines and emphasized that national strength lies in harmony, not division.
Pakistan Gears Up Diplomatically as Tensions Rise
In response to India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and other diplomatic actions, the Pakistani government has scheduled an emergency session of its National Assembly. The gathering is expected to produce a formal resolution condemning India’s actions and calling for dialogue. Ahead of the session, top military leaders briefed major political parties on the security situation, signaling Islamabad’s concern over the rapidly deteriorating relations.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s military activities have intensified. The army has been conducting increased naval drills in the Arabian Sea and engaging in repeated ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian intelligence sources claim that Pakistan’s artillery stockpile is limited and would only last 4–5 days in the event of full-scale conflict.
Iran’s Foreign Minister to Mediate Regional Tensions
Adding a layer of regional diplomacy to the unfolding crisis, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in Pakistan today before continuing his trip to India. His visit comes as part of Tehran’s broader initiative to engage with South Asian nations and promote peace in the region.
According to reports in the Express Tribune, Araghchi will meet his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar for in-depth discussions on bilateral ties and the current regional climate. Iranian officials have stated that their country is committed to fostering stability and has been in continuous contact with both India and Pakistan. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed Araghchi’s dual visit to Islamabad and New Delhi as part of Tehran’s efforts to prevent further deterioration of regional peace.
India Asserts Military Freedom Amid Global Concern
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level strategic review with top military officials earlier this week, reaffirming India’s position that the armed forces have full autonomy to determine the nature, timing, and location of any retaliatory action. This declaration of operational freedom comes amid mounting global pressure for restraint.
The United States, European Union, and other international powers have condemned the Pahalgam attack and urged both nuclear-armed neighbors to pursue de-escalation. However, New Delhi remains firm that justice must be delivered and the perpetrators, along with those who aided them, must face consequences.
Conclusion
With both nations engaged in a complex blend of military posturing and diplomatic maneuvering, the situation remains tense and volatile. India has signaled it is prepared for all possibilities, while Pakistan appears to be mobilizing international support. As regional stakeholders like Iran enter the scene, the hope remains that diplomacy will prevail—but preparations on the ground suggest neither side is ruling out further escalation.
