Pakistan Disaster Management Authority: 13 civilians killed and more than 50 injured in Pakistani Kashmir in the past 12 hours

Pakistan Disaster Management Authority: 13 civilians killed and more than 50 injured in Pakistani Kashmir in the past 12 hours

Pakistan's Disaster Management Authority (DMA) reported that 13 civilians were killed and over 50 injured in Pakistani Kashmir in the past 12 hours, according to a statement from the authority. This comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following a series of military strikes and retaliations in the region.

The latest escalation began with India's "Operation Sindoor," a pre-dawn airstrike on Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which India claimed targeted "terrorist infrastructure." Pakistan's military responded by shooting down five Indian Air Force jets and a drone, according to Pakistani security sources [1]. The strikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties, with Pakistan reporting at least 26 deaths and 46 injuries, while India has not confirmed the fighter jet losses.

The escalation follows a series of events, including the April 22 massacre of more than two dozen civilians, mostly tourists, in Indian-controlled Kashmir. India accused Pakistan of involvement, which Islamabad denied [1]. The latest military actions have further strained relations between the two countries, with both sides accusing the other of unprovoked aggression.

The Indian government has postponed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's overseas trip to Croatia, The Netherlands, and Norway, citing the ongoing situation [1]. Meanwhile, Pakistani residents in the affected areas have reported fleeing their homes and taking shelter due to the intense shelling and missile strikes.

The conflict in Kashmir has significant economic and political implications, with the region being a major source of tension between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The ongoing violence has disrupted trade, tourism, and daily life for the residents of the region.

Investors and financial professionals should closely monitor the situation, as escalating tensions could lead to further economic disruptions and potential market volatility. The stability of the region is crucial for the broader economic health of both India and Pakistan, and any further escalation could have significant implications for regional and global markets.

References:
[1] https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/india-pakistan-attack-kashmir-tourists-intl-hnk