Pahalgam Terror Attack Highlights: Pakistan hackers attempt to breach Indian websites; Bilawal Bhutto admits Pak’s links to terror groups

Around 70 Pakistani nationals were left stranded at the Attari-Wagah border on Thursday after the expiry of the Indian government’s ‘Leave India’ notice deadline, officials confirmed. The notice was issued in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives and was linked to terrorists from Pakistan.

The Centre had directed all Pakistani nationals to leave the country, setting different deadlines based on visa categories. Those holding SAARC visas had until April 26, medical visa holders until April 29, and individuals under 12 other visa types — including business, journalism, pilgrimage, and student visas — were required to exit by April 27.

Despite the Attari-Wagah border being open until April 30, it was shut on Thursday. A long queue of vehicles with stranded Pakistani citizens was seen near the Integrated Check Post (ICP), where customs and immigration officials denied them entry.

Pakistani FM radio stations on Thursday ceased airing Indian songs. The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) announced the move, with Secretary General Shakeel Masood confirming the immediate halt.

Indian music, particularly classic hits by legends such as Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, and Mukesh, has long enjoyed immense popularity in Pakistan. These songs are regularly played on FM stations across the country.

Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday conducted extensive searches at 21 locations in Srinagar. The crackdown is part of intensified efforts to dismantle the terror-support infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. Among the houses searched was that of Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar alias Latrum, founder of the banned Al-Umar terror outfit. Zargar was one of three terrorists released in 1999 in exchange for passengers of the hijacked Indian Airlines flight IC-814.

A Jammu and Kashmir Police spokesperson said the searches targeted associates of proscribed terrorist groups and were carried out under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The raids were conducted legally, with executive magistrates and independent witnesses present. Items such as documents, digital devices, and potential weapons were seized to aid ongoing investigations.

The operation reflects the administration’s resolve to identify and prosecute individuals involved in anti-national and criminal activities.

The United States has urged India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate calls with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stressing the need for regional peace and security. Rubio called for Pakistan’s cooperation in investigating the “unconscionable” attack.

Following the conversation, Jaishankar reiterated that the “perpetrators, backers and planners” must be held accountable. Rubio also reaffirmed America’s support for India’s fight against terrorism and emphasized diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir on Thursday issued a stern warning to India, declaring that any military misadventure by New Delhi would be met with a “swift, resolute, and notch-up response.”

Read More: Pahalgam terror attack: Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir warns India against ‘military misadventures’ amid rising border tensions

Amid rising tensions along the India-Pakistan border, villagers in Rajasthan say they are prepared for any outcome, including the possibility of conflict.

Arjun Singh, a local resident, shared, “There’s tension at the borders, but they have killed our innocent people — there must be a strong response. It’s up to our military to decide what action to take. The soldiers are our brothers, and it’s our duty to support them in any way we can.”

He added, “If the situation escalates, animals will suffer in this heat, and we’ll face many difficulties. We may even have to vacate our villages if the government orders it. But regardless of the challenges, we must respond firmly — this can’t go unanswered. They’ve done this before, and they’ll do it again if we don’t act.”

Air India has projected losses of around $600 million (approximately Rs 50,400 crore) if Pakistan’s airspace ban persists for a year.

Read More: Airspace Wars: Air India projects over Rs 50,000 crore loss; Pakistani airlines to lose…

Pakistan Army Chief stated that while the country remains committed to regional peace, it will not compromise on national interests, reports Reuters.

He warned that any military misadventure by India would face a swift and resolute response, signalling heightened alertness amid rising tensions between the two nations.

Members of the Indian community in London, UK gathered in large numbers to show solidarity and support for India, countering a protest organised by a group of pro-Khalistani and Pakistani demonstrators outside the Indian High Commission in London.

The Indian diaspora raised slogans condemning terrorism and strongly denounced the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.

Pakistan has announced the closure of specific portions of Karachi and Lahore airspace for four hours each day during May and put all airports across the country on high alert claiming security concerns.

The development comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack and Islamabad’s apprehension of retaliatory action by New Delhi.

“The restricted airspace will be closed daily from 4:00 am to 8:00 am local time between May 1 and May 31,” Express Tribune said, quoting an official notice.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said the closure will not significantly disrupt commercial flight operations, as aircraft will be rerouted via alternative flight paths during the restricted hours, it said.

The US Secretary of Defence expressed his deepest sympathies for the tragic loss of innocent civilians in the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.

Secretary Hegseth said that the US stands in solidarity with India and supports India’s right to defend itself. He reiterated the strong support of the US government in India’s fight against terrorism.

During the conversation, Singh told Hegseth that Pakistan has a history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations. He further said that it is important for the global community to explicitly and unequivocally condemn and call out such heinous acts of terrorism.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, declaring that those responsible for spreading terror in Kashmir since the 1990s will not go unpunished.

Referring to the recent deadly attack in Pahalgam, Shah said, “Terrorists should not think they’ve won by taking innocent lives.”

He emphasised that the fight is far from over and assured the public that every act of terror will be met with a strong, decisive response. Shah’s statement underlines the government’s continued commitment to eliminating terrorism and ensuring national security.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, “…If someone, by doing a cowardly attack, thinks that it is their big victory, then understand one thing, this is the Narendra Modi government, no one will be spared. It is our resolve to uproot terrorism from every inch of this country and it will be accomplished. Not only 140 crore Indians but the whole world is standing with India in this fight, all the countries of the world have come together and are standing with the people of India in this fight against terrorism. I want to reiterate the resolve that until terrorism is eradicated, our fight will continue and those who have committed it will certainly be given appropriate punishment.”

Amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a phone conversation with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth on Thursday.

The dialogue came just a day after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also spoke with his American counterpart. While official details of Singh’s discussion remain undisclosed, the engagement follows Pakistan’s repeated ceasefire violations along the Line of Control for the seventh consecutive night.

The unprovoked firing has been reported from Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor sectors in Jammu and Kashmir, amid rising concerns after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited informed that the ALH Army and Air Force Versions Cleared for Operations.

“In furtherance of the clarification dated 11th April 2025, it is now intimated that the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv Army and Air Force versions are cleared for operations based on the Defect Investigation (DI) Committee recommendations. A time-bound plan for the resumption of operations has been worked out with the users,” states Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Mohammad Shariq, a Delhi resident, arrived at the Attari-Wagah border at 6 am with his sisters, who are Indian passport holders married to Pakistani nationals.

“The border opens at 10 am. By 11 am, officials told us our side is ready to send people, but Pakistan is not allowing them to cross. We are still waiting here,” he said, expressing frustration at the standstill.

Shariq added that his sisters had just received their Pakistani visas a day earlier. “Pehle zameeno ka batwara hota tha, ab insaano ka batwara ho raha hai (Earlier land was divided, now people are),” he lamented. Calling for peace, he said, “The terrorists should be killed. Both countries need to come together and find a solution.”

The Attari-Wagah border crossing between India and Pakistan was completely shut on Thursday, May 1. This closure comes after the Indian government ordered all Pakistani citizens on short-term visas to leave the country, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

On Wednesday alone, 125 Pakistani nationals departed India via the border, bringing the seven-day total to 911. Additionally, 15 Indian citizens with Pakistani visas also crossed into Pakistan, taking that total to 23.

As many as 152 Indian nationals and 73 Pakistani nationals holding long-term Indian visas were allowed entry into India this week, totalling 1,617 and 224 respectively.

Two sources confirmed that no cross-border movement occurred on Thursday, marking a complete halt at the crucial international checkpoint in Punjab’s Amritsar district amid heightened diplomatic tensions.

NIA DG Sadanand Vasant Date leaves from Pahalgam after visiting the attack site in Baisaran, along with the senior officials of NIA and Jammu Kashmir Police.

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, attributing it to both security lapses and Pakistan’s deliberate attempt to destabilise the region.

He criticised Pakistan’s propaganda and Army Chief General Asim Munir’s remarks on the two-nation theory, calling them provocative. Expressing support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response, Abdullah said Pakistan failed to consider how such violence would impact Muslims in India.

“This was not just a failure of security, but a calculated move by Pakistan,” he said.

Himanshi, wife of Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, says “…We don’t want people going against Muslims or Kashmiris. We want peace and only peace. Of course, we want justice.”

Union Minister Anupriya Patel condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, calling it a cruel and shameful incident. She urged everyone to come together and respond strongly to terrorism. Patel emphasized that the government is serious and committed to addressing the situation. She highlighted that Prime Minister Modi has made it clear that those responsible for the attack, including their supporters, will be found and face severe punishment.

Assam Police have arrested 36 people, including a current MLA from the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), for allegedly promoting pro-Pakistan views on social media and other platforms.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the arrests in a post on X, stating that the crackdown is targeting those who support Pakistan on Indian soil. He further mentioned that among those arrested on April 30 were Najibul Islam, detained by Bongaigaon Police, and Sanaj Hussain, arrested by Sribhumipolice. The total number of individuals arrested now stands at 36, with authorities closely monitoring all forms of communication.

Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem’s Instagram account has been blocked in India following a legal request made in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Indian users trying to access the Pakistani athlete’s profile are shown a message stating: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”

Since the April 22 attack in Kashmir, the Indian government has intensified its crackdown on prominent Pakistani social media accounts with significant Indian followings.

The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to entertain a plea seeking a judicial investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The bench stated that judges are not experts in probing terror-related incidents and firmly rebuked the petitioners for potentially demoralising the security forces. The court also cautioned against bringing such matters into the judicial domain.

The Indian Navy is conducting large-scale exercises in the Arabian Sea within its Exclusive Economic Zone, maintaining its preparedness to respond to any suspicious activity, according to defence sources, reported ANI. In recent days, several anti-ship and anti-aircraft weapon tests have been carried out in the area. To enhance coastal security, Indian Coast Guard ships have been positioned in key forward zones near the International Maritime Boundary off the Gujarat coast. The Navy is also ramping up its overall presence and surveillance throughout the region under its operational command.

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) chief Farooq Abdullah said the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam reflects serious security and intelligence failures. He suggested that Pakistan was uncomfortable with the region’s return to normalcy and may have used this as a reason to instigate violence. Abdullah also expressed concern that the attackers failed to consider the consequences such actions would have on Muslims living in India, especially at a time when, according to him, a hostile narrative has already been building for the past decade. He criticized Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir’s recent comments invoking the two-nation theory, warning that if conflict breaks out, it may eventually come to the negotiation table — but the outcome remains uncertain.

In a joint operation, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police foiled a terror plot near the Indo-Pakistan border in Amritsar. Acting on intelligence inputs, the forces carried out a search near Bharopal village, where they discovered a significant stockpile of weapons. The seized items include three pistols, six magazines, 50 live cartridges, and two hand grenades. The recovery is being seen as a major success in preventing potential cross-border threats.

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) chief Farooq Abdullah on Thursday described the Pahalgam attack as “very painful” and warned that such incidents only fuel more hatred. He questioned the intent behind spreading such hate, asking what those responsible hope to gain. Abdullah also said that ordinary people, especially those in Kashmir, are the ones who suffer the most from these ongoing situations—something he has witnessed over the past 30 to 35 years.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul in a phone conversation on Thursday. During the discussion, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of taking a strong stand against terrorism in every form. He also expressed appreciation for South Korea’s support and solidarity following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Veteran actor Rajinikanth on Thursday strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, calling it “barbaric and merciless,” while expressing faith in PM Modi’s leadership in restoring peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the inaugural session of the WAVES Summit 2025, the actor mentioned that some people had speculated the four-day event might be delayed due to criticism over its focus on entertainment. However, he said he remained confident it would take place, citing his trust in the PM. Rajinikanth praised the Prime Minister, describing him as a “fighter” who faces every challenge head-on, a quality he said has been clearly evident over the past decade.