Tensions remain as Pakistan-India flare-ups enter 3rd day

Photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows a building during a blackout enforced by authorities in Srinagar city, Indian-controlled Kashmir. Tensions have remained as flare-ups between Pakistan and India have entered the third day. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)

ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Tensions have remained as flare-ups between Pakistan and India have entered the third day.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has firmly rejected Indian media reports alleging cross-border attacks originating from Pakistani territory, calling them "baseless, fabricated, and aimed at creating a false pretext for escalation."

"The repeated pattern of leveling accusations against Pakistan without any credible investigation reflects a deliberate strategy to manufacture a pretext for aggression and to further destabilize the region," the ministry said in a statement late on Thursday.

Separately, Pakistani security sources dismissed claims carried by Indian media alleging drone or missile attacks in the Indian-controlled Kashmir and the downing of a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet.

"No drone or missile has been launched from Pakistan," the sources told Xinhua. "These reports are outright fake, politically motivated, and part of a broader campaign of disinformation."

In India, the Indian army on Friday released a short video showing a strike hitting a target in Pakistan.

In the short, low-resolution video, a projectile (apparently a missile) can be seen moving and hitting a structure.

The army described it as a "befitting reply" to Pakistan's shelling, but the exact location of the destroyed structure has not been disclosed.

Meanwhile, authorities in the Indian capital region Delhi on Friday installed and tested air raid sirens.

According to social media giant X, formerly known as Twitter, the Indian government has asked it to block 8,000 accounts on the social media platform, including those belonging to international news organizations and prominent X users.

On Wednesday, India launched airstrikes on Pakistani targets to avenge last month's killing of 26 people by gunmen in Pahalgam town, about 89 km east of Srinagar, the summer capital of the Indian-controlled Kashmir.

The situation along the Line of Control, dividing Kashmir, has been tense as troops of India and Pakistan deployed on both sides of the ceasefire line were engaged in an exchange of fire and artillery. ■

A man watches a mobile phone in a room during a blackout enforced by authorities in Srinagar city, Indian-controlled Kashmir, on may 9, 2025. Tensions have remained as flare-ups between Pakistan and India have entered the third day. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)

Photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows a building during a blackout enforced by authorities in Srinagar city, Indian-controlled Kashmir. Tensions have remained as flare-ups between Pakistan and India have entered the third day. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)

People watch their mobile phones in a room during a blackout enforced by authorities in Srinagar city, Indian-controlled Kashmir, on may 9, 2025. Tensions have remained as flare-ups between Pakistan and India have entered the third day. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)

People watch their mobile phones in a room during a blackout enforced by authorities in Srinagar city, Indian-controlled Kashmir, on may 9, 2025. Tensions have remained as flare-ups between Pakistan and India have entered the third day. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)

People watch their mobile phones in a room during a blackout enforced by authorities in Srinagar city, Indian-controlled Kashmir, on may 9, 2025. Tensions have remained as flare-ups between Pakistan and India have entered the third day. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)