A year ago today: Normality returns as nuclear-armed neighbours step back from the brink

AI Summary

The anniversary of the Pakistan-India military conflict highlights the sustained tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, following a severe escalation a year ago. The hostilities prompted military actions and international intervention, but relations remain fraught with distrust and unresolved issues.

The week of May 6 - May 10 marks the first anniversary of the five-day military conflict between Pakistan and India. The conflict was sparked by the April 22 Pahalgam attack on tourists in India-occupied Kashmir, which New Delhi, without evidence, linked to Pakistan. In a dangerous escalation, New Delhi launched deadly air strikes in Punjab and Azad Kashmir on May 7. Pakistan retaliated by downing five Indian planes in air-to-air combat, later raising the tally to seven. Following tit-for-tat strikes on each other’s airbases, and the launch of Pakistan Army’s Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, both sides agreed to a ceasefire on May 10 after American intervention. The Pakistan Army named the period of conflict from April 22-May 10 “Marka-i-Haq”. Throughout the week, Dawn will be sharing daily headlines from the brief conflict when tensions between both countries reached a boiling point. Here’s a look at Dawn’s front page published on May 11, 2025.