April 22, 2025 – The Attack Unfolds

On February 22nd of 2025, at 2:50 PM IST, a six to ten strong militant group carried out an aggressive strike in the Baisaran Valley adjacent to Pahalgam at a tourist hotspot located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. Seven to four fighters used M4 carbines together with AK-47 rifles as they wore military-style uniforms while executing the attack. The gunmen ambushed a tourist group with their assault weapons, which led to the deaths of 26 people with 25 of whom were Indian nationals, together with a Nepalese visitor, while injuring more than twenty other people. 

According to witness accounts, the terrorists ordered the massacre of noncompliant victims by requiring them to perform Islamic prayers. Syed Adil Hussain Shah tried unsuccessfully to defend the visitors when he became a casualty of the attacks. ​

Immediate Aftermath and Rescue Efforts

Survivors described widespread panic because the attack led to scenes of terror and disarray. Status holders from the local community, such as pony handlers, actively rescued victims while using both ponies and handmade stretchers for transportation. Emergency responders performed rapid medical transport of critically wounded patients by helicopter to hospitals between Anantnag and Srinagar for proper care. ​

Claim of Responsibility

Lashkar-e-Taiba established the Resistance Front to conduct attacks from its Pakistan base while taking responsibility for this specific incident. The Resistance Front declared that their operations aimed to fight back against the permanent changes in Kashmir’s population stemming from outside immigration. ​

April 23, 2025 – National and International Reactions

Narendra Modi who serves as Indian Prime Minister described the assault as an “heinous act” before making a promise to find those responsible. India made dual decisive actions by halting the implementation of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty as well as shuttering border operations at Attari-Wagah. India made an official decision to eliminate Pakistani citizen visa exemptions within the framework of the SAARC agreement.

International nations including America, Britain and China together supported India by expressing their opposition against the assault. At the time of this incident the U.S. Vice President extended his support along with sympathy while he was conducting official duties in India. ​

April 24, 2025 – Escalation of Diplomatic Tensions

Pakistan implemented an aviation ban for Indian carriers and declared any water diversion attempts against the Indus source to be an “act of war.” The highest Pakistani officials gathered to create a reaction plan against India’s ongoing strategy. ​

Indian security forces enhanced their operations in Kashmir Valley by conducting joint patrols between the Army, along with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police forces. Security operations in Pahalgam extended through a 5-kilometer radius from the attack site. ​

Political and Public Reactions

The assault generated massive anger throughout the entire country of India. Different parties within the government jointly denounced the violence as they advocated national unity against terrorist groups. Political leaders gathered at a functional session within Parliament to unite efforts against this situation. 

Indian citizens expressed sorrow and fury, which led them to call for powerful measures against perpetrators. In different locations throughout India, citizens organized both funeral tributes and public demonstrations to mourn the victims while supporting their relatives.​

Security Measures and Ongoing Investigations

Security operations in Kashmir deepened due to intensified patrols and surveillance across the Valley. The authorities published sketch drawings of the culprits before starting a search operation to track down the criminals. The investigators exposed that the assailants recorded their assault by using body cameras, which Lashkar-e-Taiba often uses for propagandistic activities. ​

The Indian administration delivered bulletins advising Pakistan-based Indians to come back home during the intensifying regional conflict. ​

Enhanced Border Security Measures

The attack caused India to boost its security measures focused on the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border with Pakistan. The Indian Army under Border Security Force (BSF) leadership expanded patrols and surveillance while using advanced monitoring equipment to stop all border infiltration efforts.​

The Indian Navy has sent its aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, to the Arabian Sea to indicate its stronger maritime watch duties. The action shows India makes continuous efforts to safeguard its national borders and defend against potential security threats. 

Visa Suspension and Revocation

The Indian government has taken a diplomatic measure by implementing an immediate suspension of Pakistani national visa services. On April 27, 2025, all Pakistani citizens lost their valid visas, which went into effect. Only medical visas will maintain validity until April 29, 2025. 

India took this firm action to prevent security threats because it reflects the seriousness of the Pahalgam attack.​

Closure of Attari-Wagah Border Crossing

The Indian government has taken a diplomatic measure by implementing an immediate suspension of Pakistani national visa services. On April 27, 20,25, all Pakistani citizens lost their valid visas, which went into effect. Only medical visas will maintain validity until April 29, 2025. 

India took this firm action to prevent security threats because it reflects the seriousness of the Pahalgam attack.​

Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty

India decided to pause the operation of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, which forms a principal framework for sharing water resources between India and Pakistan. Successful management of bilateral ties between India and Pakistan stood on this fundamental treaty before its suspension, which now triggers critical diplomatic tension. Pakistan declared that any water diversion attempts would be treated as equivalent to war actions. 

Diplomatic Expulsions and Downgrading of Ties

The response to these attacks led India to send Pakistani diplomats together with military advisers out of their borders. The government of India has simultaneously withdrawn its diplomats from Pakistan and minimized its personnel working at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Such diplomatic actions indicate that bilateral relations have moved to a lower level of cooperation between India and Pakistan.