Attachments
Introduction:
In the aftermath of Pahalgam incidence, tensions between India and Pakistan have continued to escalate in recent days. Cross-border shelling, drone incursions, and India’s Operation Sindoor missile strikes on 7 May has triggered severe humanitarian consequences, particularly across Line of Control (LOC) and border regions particularly of Punjab.
Indian airstrikes on 7 May under Operation Sindoor targeted multiple locations in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) and Punjab (including Bahawalpur, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, and Muzaffarabad), reporting at least 26 civilians causalities (including women and children), and injuring over 46 people. A missile strike on a mosque in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, resulted in the child’s death.
Indiscriminate firing along the Line of Control (LoC) and international border is causing civilian casualties, injuries, damage of infrastructure, disruption in services and displacements. Our Field teams in District Haveli and Forward Kahuta, AJ&K, have reported displacement of dozens of families relocating from villages/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. Fuel shortage is also reported in parts of AJ&K.
World leaders, UN officials, International Community express deep concerns over escalatory cycles between neighboring countries.The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has already expressed “deep concern” over rising tensions between the both countries and he also underscored the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences. (UN News)
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 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.