Attachments
Introduction:
Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a critical juncture following the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which reported 26 civilian casualties, and injured dozens. (CNN, TIME) India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, a series of missile strikes targeting civilian infrastructure at multiple locations in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) and Punjab (including Bahawalpur, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, and Muzaffarabad) has triggered a dangerous cycle of violence, with officials reporting at least 31 civilian causalities (including children) and 57 injuries (Al Jazeera)
The situation further heated up on May 8–9 with reports of drone and missile attacks, as well as heavy cross border firing, shelling and artillery exchanges, prompting fears of a massive humanitarian catastrophe/crises with new phase in the ongoing tensions between the nucleararmed neighbors. Officials from Pakistan confirmed Two (2) civilian causality and many sustained injuries (DAWN)
There is widespread panic and concern in the streets as flights remain suspended, schools and colleges are closed, hospitals operate under a state of emergency, and other essential services face significant disruptions. According to the local communities, several border towns/villages were asked to turn off their lights at night and people have also been evacuated. Cross-border firing/shelling is intermittent and indiscriminate along the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border, potentially causing further civilian casualties, injuries, infrastructure damage, service disruptions, school closures, and displacement of civilian population.
Though large-scale displacement has not yet occurred, Our Field teams in District Muzafferabad, Haveli (Forward Kahuta) in AJ&K, have reported displacement of dozens of families relocating from villages and their local communities near the Line of Control (LoC) due to escalating tensions. Many of the displaced families are seeking shelter with their relatives in other Districts, while others have taken refuge in public schools in District Bagh, which have been designated as temporary camps by local authorities.
World leaders, UN officials, International Community express deep concerns over escalatory cycles and urged the two sides to exercise maximum restraint as "The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan," (UN).
Islamic Relief Pakistan have longstanding presence in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K), including Neelum, Leepa, Muzafferabad, Hattian, Bagh, and Haveli. Our teams are in close contact with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), district authorities and local communities we work with and according to the locals;
- War rhetoric is on the rise from both sides and it is causing stress and heightening tensions, leading to restricted mobility issues and growing fear among local communities, particularly those residing along the Line of Control (LoC).
- Further escalation between the both countries have risks triggering mass displacement, overwhelming shelter capacities in border regions and disrupting critical infrastructure (hospitals, schools, water systems) already strained by past crises.