Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply following India’s missile and drone strikes on Pakistani soil early Wednesday, which left 31 people dead. In a nationally televised address, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed fierce retribution, pledging to avenge the loss of “every drop of martyr’s blood.”

The attack, which marked India’s most expansive military operation against Pakistan in decades, hit nine sites—including four in Punjab province. A seminary in Ahmedpur Sharqia was among the damaged structures. As a result, both nations have suspended flights—India grounding over 20 northern airports until Saturday and Pakistan halting operations in Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot.

On Thursday, Pakistan claimed it had shot down an Indian drone near Lahore. India has yet to issue a response.

Emergency protocols have intensified. Hospitals in Pakistan’s Sindh province are on full alert, with all staff leave revoked. In India’s Amritsar, just miles from the border, residents underwent a second blackout drill, and border states Rajasthan and Punjab are now on shoot-on-sight orders for suspicious activity.

Pakistan’s military response remains uncertain. Though some officials claim they downed five Indian aircraft—including three Rafale jets—others assert that a full retaliation is still in the works. Final decisions are expected from Pakistan’s military chief, Gen. Asim Munir.

India defended the strikes as “measured” responses to an April attack in Kashmir that killed 26. Pakistan denies any involvement and maintains civilians—not militants—were the victims.

Calls for de-escalation continue, with Iran offering to mediate.