First cargo consignment enters from Pakistani side after start of hostilities

After four coordination committee meetings, India allowed entry to five out of 162 stranded trucks from Afghanistan through the Attari-Wagah Integrated Check-Post that was closed after the start of hostilities with Pakistan.

The remaining 157 trucks carrying consignments of spices, herbs and dry and fresh fruits are expected to cross over to India from Pakistan over the next few days.

The move in no way should be construed as normal opening of the border as the ICP continued to remain non-operational as per the directions of the Prime Minister headed Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), said an official. The CCS had pronounced the decision in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

The 162 trucks carrying perishable goods from Afghanistan had reached Wagah border, which is situated inside Pakistan, on April 22, a day prior to the CCS had convened at the residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 23, which recommended closure of the Attari-Wagah border with immediate effect.

The Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) handling cargo at the ICP had received the last consignment of 17 truckloads on April 23. Thereafter, it did not accept any truck of merchandise from Afghanistan till May 16.

The ICP normally receives about 15 to 20 truckloads of dry fruit, spices, herbs and fresh fruits from Afghanistan daily.

This is the only trading land route between India and the Taliban-ruled landlocked country. At present, the ICP at Attari is permitted to receive only imports from Afghanistan for which Pakistan offers transit movement. The ICP had recorded the highest-ever imports to the tune of over Rs 3,700 crore since its opening 12 years ago in the 2023-24 financial year. In the financial year 2024-25, the ICP facilitated import of 1,83,975 MT from the landlocked country.

Before the trade embargo between India and Pakistan in August 2019, one-fourth (Rs 4,476 crore) of their total trade of Rs 17,903 crore used to take place through the ICP Attari.

According to the FIR, the accused — Jyoti Malhotra — had developed contacts with Pakistani nationals and intelligence operatives during her visit to Pakistan in 2023

Deepender Deswal Tribune News Service

Travel vlogger and YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, a resident of Hisar town, was arrested by the police on the charges of espionage for Pakistan. Following inputs from Central Intelligence Agencies and an inquiry by the CIA staff of Hisar police, she was arrested from her residence at New Agarsain Extension.

According to the FIR registered at Hisar Civil Lines Police Station, Jyoti — who operates a YouTube travel channel under the name ‘Travel with Jo’ — had developed contacts with Pakistani nationals and intelligence operatives during her visit to Pakistan in 2023.

As per the FIR, Jyoti reportedly disclosed that she had initially visited the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi to apply for a visa, where she met Ahsan-Ur-Rahim alias Danish. After the meeting, she stayed in contact with him and later travelled to Pakistan twice. During her visits, she met a person named Ali Ahwan, who arranged her accommodation and facilitated meetings with officers from Pakistan’s intelligence and security agencies.

The FIR stated that the accused also met two other persons identified as Shakir and Rana Shahbaz. She saved their contact information in her mobile phone under false identities. Upon returning to India, she remained in contact with them through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Snapchat and Telegram.

Significantly, the FIR also reveals that Ahsan-Ur-Rahim, with whom Jyoti maintained prolonged contact, had been declared persona non grata by the Government of India on May 13, 2025, for espionage-related activities. Jyoti’s continued association and information exchange with him after his designation forms a crucial part of the case, the FIR said.

Jyoti is accused of exchanging sensitive information with them, posing a threat to national integrity and security. She has been booked under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, which deal with acts prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state, communication with foreign agents, and unauthorised handling of official secrets. Inspector Nirmala has been assigned the investigation into the case and the accused is expected to be produced before a magistrate in Hisar for further legal proceedings.

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This marks a significant shift in India’s stance on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, which Pakistan has long attributed to non-state actors

Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and others during a high-level meeting amid the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan in New Delhi on Saturday. Photo: PTI

In response to ongoing escalation from Pakistan, India has hardened its stance, declaring that any future terrorist attack on its soil will be treated and responded to as an act of war. This marks a significant shift in India’s stance on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, which Pakistan has long attributed to non-state actors.

The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. Attendees included Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, CDS General Anil Chauhan, the armed forces chiefs, and other senior officials.

By declaring terrorism an act of war, India aims to send a strong message to Pakistan and its proxies, which have long pursued a policy of “bleeding India with a thousand cuts”. Since the 1971 war that led to Bangladesh’s creation, Pakistan has pursued proxy wars against India, showing no restraint. Neither diplomatic efforts by the UPA government nor military actions following incidents like the 2016 Uri attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack have deterred Pakistan.

A government source emphasised that the situation will be handled differently going forward, noting that terrorism will be considered a breach of sovereignty and addressed accordingly.

Visuals from the site show fragments of the object in an agricultural field, with the surrounding area burnt

Byker YIHA III Kamikaze drones were recovered in Punjab’s Amritsar, which were launched by Pakistan in the early hours of Saturday, as per defence officials.

The attacks were launched in several civilian areas of the region leaving their lives endangered. The attempt was thwarted by the Indian Army Air Defence guns at 5 am as the drones were destroyed in the air itself, as per the defence officials.

“Pakistan launched Byker YIHA III Kamikaze drones in Amritsar, Punjab endangering the residential areas of Punjab. The attempt was thwarted by Army Air Defence guns at 5 AM today, destroying the same in the air. The drone was aimed to target civilian areas and innocent civilians,” defence officials said in their statement.

Earlier, fragments and debris of an unidentified projectile were recovered from a field in Mughlani Kot Village in Punjab’s Amritsar on Saturday morning, in the wake of Pakistan’s blatant drone attacks against civilians across several locations in India.

Amritsar

Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Gargaj visits Punjab’s border villages’

Visuals from the site show fragments of the object in an agricultural field, with the surrounding area burnt. Fragments and debris of unidentified projectiles were also recovered by the locals in Rajasthan’s Barmer on Saturday.

Residents of Baldev Nagar, an area near Uttarlai Air Force Station and Jalipa Military Station in Barmer, witnessed the aftermath of the Pakistani attack that was successfully neutralised by Indian security forces in the early hours of the morning.

However, there is still no official confirmation from authorities regarding the whereabouts of the unidentified projectile.

Meanwhile, four airbases in Pakistan were hit by Indian strikes in the early hours of Saturday, sources told ANI, as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate.

India launched the retaliatory strikes immediately after Pakistan attacked 26 locations across India. Intermittent firing is still going on at several places along the Line of Control.

In its statement the Ministry of Defence said, “Drones have been sighted at 26 locations along the International Border and LoC with Pakistan. These include suspected armed drones. The locations include Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet and Lakhi Nala. Regrettably, an armed drone targeted a civilian area in Ferozpur, resulting in injuries to members of a local family. The injured have been provided medical assistance and the area has been sanitised by security forces. The Indian Armed Forces are maintaining a high state of alert, and all such aerial threats are being tracked and engaged using counter-drone systems. The situation is under close and constant watch & prompt action is being taken wherever necessary. Citizens, especially in border areas, are advised to remain indoors, limit unnecessary movement, and strictly follow safety instructions issued by local authorities. While there is no need for panic, heightened vigilance and precaution are essential.”

Eyewitnesses from Khalyaan village reported seeing two objects moving overhead in the direction of Adampur shortly before the explosion

Ashok Kaura Our Correspondent

A suspected missile crash led to a loud explosion and fire in the wee hours of Saturday at Khalyaan village near Phagwara.

According to initial reports, the incident occurred around 2:40 am in the farmland of Major Singh, a resident of the village.

Eyewitnesses from the village reported seeing two objects flying in the direction of Adampur shortly before the explosion. One of the objects is believed to have fallen in the fields of Khalyaan village, triggering a fire and a blast that jolted the local community. The explosion created a crater estimated to be 8 to 10 feet deep and 12 to 15 feet wide. The villagers acted swiftly, using available resources to extinguish the fire before it could spread further. Fire brigade personnel later reached the scene and carried out cooling operations. Despite the intensity of the explosion, no casualties or injuries have been reported.

Residents of Phagwara reported hearing the blast and spotting drone lights in the sky at night. In response to the aerial activity, a blackout was implemented in Phagwara around 2:15 am as a precautionary measure.

A team of the Rawalpindi Police Station arrived at the site over an hour after the incident. However, no senior police official was reported to have reached the location even by morning. Police sources confirm that further investigations are under way to determine the nature and origin of the suspected drone or missile. The area remains under observation.

Villagers started gathering at the sites after which the Defence and local authorities, too, arrived and took away the debris

An explosion was heard in some parts of Sirsa district as a missile launched by Pakistan was reportedly intercepted by the Indian Defence system, resulting in crash-landing of its portions in Firozabad and Khaja Khera villages of Rania block in Sirsa district past Friday midnight.

Related news: Missile-like object lands in Dal Lake as loud explosions rock Srinagar

Several civilians injured in Pakistani drone attack in Punjab’s Ferozepur: Government

The incident has prompted heightened activity from the Indian Air Force and the police in the region. Villagers started gathering at the sites early morning after which the Defence and local authorities, too, arrived and took away the debris.

Speaking to The Tribune, former sarpanch of Firozabad village Paramjit Singh informed that the missile landed approximately 1.5 km away from the residential area of the village. “Though there are some dhanis (small hamlets) located a few hundred meters from the impact site, there has been no loss of life or property,” he said.

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Singh added that a portion of the missile crashed in the fields belonging to Kundan Lal in their village, while another part is believed to have landed in Arya Nagar and Khaja Khera villages. He said that their village is located in Rania block, about 150 km from the Pakistan border.“A number of villagers gathered at the site,” he said. “We are on alert but not in shock or terror due to the strike in the village.”

Officials at the site refused to comment on the incident, stating that it was now part of an investigation. The two sites are about 16 km apart, say sources.

The officials said that in view of the possible threat, alerts were issued in both Sirsa and Hisar. Notably, both districts of Haryana are crucial from the Defence point of view as Sirsa has the Air Force base while Hisar has the Army Cantonment.

It’s vital for civilians to be well prepared amid drone and missile fears

The sirens scream, but I don’t. I have learned to breathe differently.

— Diary of a Ukrainian teacher, 2022

As borders blur and skies grow uncertain, the notion of war as something distant is vanishing. For civilians in India’s border states — Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan — the fear of drone or missile attacks is no longer abstract. It’s becoming a part of daily life.

But while the Indian military stays alert with radar systems and interceptors, civilians, too, must prepare — not with panic or paranoia — but with awareness, emotional readiness and community strength.

Here’s how to stay grounded when the air above feels unstable:

Recognise the threat — but keep it in perspective

It’s natural to feel afraid of airborne threats. Drones and missiles are fast, hard to track and terrifying. But fear must be informed by fact.

Take Israel’s Iron Dome, which has intercepted over 10,000 rockets. Civilian casualties remain low, not just because of technology, but because people trust official alerts and follow simple, practised protocols.

India, too, has strong air defence systems. The chance of civilian harm — especially outside immediate conflict zones — is low. Stay cautious, but not consumed.

Prepare your space — not a bunker, just a plan

You don’t need a war room — just a safer room.

In Ukraine, people instinctively move to stairwells or basements when sirens sound. It’s not panic, it’s habit.

In India, take similar steps:

• Identify the safest part of your home — central, windowless if possible.
• Pack a “grab bag”: flashlight, water, dry food, medicine, IDs, phone charger.
• Never run to the roof to record what’s happening. Let curiosity wait. Safety comes first.

Calm the mind — it’s your strongest shelter

During the Syrian conflict, researchers found that those who practiced daily breathing or prayer experienced less trauma, even in high-risk areas.

India has deep traditions of inner calm. Use them:

• Try box breathing: Inhale, hold, exhale, hold—for four seconds each. Repeat.
• Chant, meditate, pray — anything that recentres your mind.
• Check the news just twice a day. Constant scrolling feeds fear.

Resilience isn’t being fearless. It’s acting wisely, even when you’re scared.

Learn from the world’s war-tested civilians

Conflict zones teach us: Preparedness is power.

• In South Korea, regular civil defence drills are common—even schoolchildren know where to go. Yet, life continues.
• In Japan, early-warning texts guide people during missile threats. Their calm isn’t magic — it’s muscle memory.

India can adopt this spirit through:

• Local awareness drives
• School safety talks
• Verified WhatsApp groups run by officials — not rumour factories

Stay connected — community is your lifeline

War isolates. Don’t let it.

• Talk to neighbors. Form check-in circles, especially for the elderly.
• Make a family plan: who takes what, where to meet, who to call.
• Trust your local SHO, not social media gossip.

In Gaza, mothers read stories in shelters. In Donetsk, teens play chess underground. Even in fear, people create life.

Clean up your info-diet — don’t spread panic

Drones carry payloads. So does disinformation.

• Don’t forward videos or rumours — especially those without clear sources. You could unknowingly spread enemy propaganda.
• Skip draining debates. Your energy is precious.
• Instead, share verified tips, hopeful messages, calming practices.

Think of it as emotional self-defence.

Acceptance, not surrender — a lesson from the East

Borrowing from Zen and Wabi-Sabi, we must accept imperfection and chaos — but not let it consume us.

“You cannot stop the storm, but you can find stillness in the eye of it.”

We don’t pretend nothing’s happening. But we also don’t fall apart.

And when it feels too much…

• Call someone. Talk it out.
• Try grounding: name five things you see, four you touch, three you hear, two you smell, one you taste.
• Reserve an hour for something joyful: drawing, music, gardening, laughter.

That hour is resistance.

The sky may tremble, but we don’t have to

India has faced invasions, insurgencies, even coordinated terror — but it has never broken.

Today, threats may fly in, not march in. But we are not defenceless. Our weapon is not panic, but preparation. Not rage, but resilience.

Civilians are not trained for war, but you are certainly built for solidarity. For care. For survival.

Let the storm pass. You will still be standing.

(The writer is DGP and Head, Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau)

Pakistani drones on Saturday made incursions at 26 places along the western front

After Pakistani drones on Saturday made incursions at 26 places along the western front, the Indian armed forces destroyed military installations at about half a dozen places in Pakistan, impacting their air surveillance and attack system in a swift operation carried out in the wee hours.

Nankana Sahib in Pakistan not attacked by Indian drone; govt debunks fake news

Pakistan attacked Indian airbases in Udhampur, Pathankot and Bathinda, among other stations last night, the Centre said in a special briefing on Operation Sindoor.

The press briefing was led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The Pakistani army’s actions constituted provocation, and accordingly, India acted in a measured fashion, Misri said.The Pakistani army used drones and other high-caliber weapons to attack India’s western front. In total, 26 Indian cities were targeted. India neutralized most of the attacks, the government said at the press briefing.

“Pakistan also attacked school and medical facilities in Srinagar, Avantipura and Udhampur,” Col Sofiya Qureshi said.

Pakistan army moving troops towards forward areas: Wing Commander Vyomika Singh

After targeting several locations and civilians in different areas in India, the Pakistan Army is now moving its troops towards forward areas, signaling possible offensive intentions.

Addressing a press briefing, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh confirmed that the Pakistan Army is moving troops towards forward areas.Wing Commander Singh asserted that while all hostile actions have been effectively countered with proportionate responses, India has reiterated its commitment to de-escalation, conditional on reciprocal restraint from Pakistan.”Pakistan Army has been observed to be moving its troops towards forward areas, indicating an offensive intent to further escalation. Indian armed forces remain in a high state of operational readiness, and all hostile actions have been effectively countered and responded proportionately. Indian armed forces reiterated their commitment to non-escalation, provided the Pakistan side reciprocates,” Singh said.

“In a swift and calibrated response, Indian armed forces carried out a precision strike only at identified military targets… Pakistan has also attempted to execute a continued malicious misinformation campaign, with claims of destruction of the Indian S-400 system, destruction of airfields at Suratgarh and Sirsa… India unequivocally rejects these false claims being spread by Pakistan,” she added.

The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and three service chiefs

Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service

Hours after India said Pakistan Army was seen moving its troops towards forward areas, indicating an offensive intent to further escalation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level national security review at his residence.The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and three service chiefs.

PM reviewed India’s preparedness with armed forces in a high state of operational readiness, having successfully foiled all hostile actions proportionately.

The PM also took note of India’s response.

After Pakistan fired drones and missiles, launched fighter jets and high-speed missiles at India, climbing up the escalation ladder, Indian response hit targets in Pakistan.These included bases Rahimyar Khan, Murid in Chakwal, Rafiqui in Jhang, and Sialkot.

The Indian response followed the first wave of civilian casualties in Pakistan attacks.

Also, the review by the PM came as the US intensified attempts at de-escalation and Pakistan said the option to go nuclear was not on the cards right now.Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said today, “At the moment the nuclear option is not on the cards. However, if the situation comes up, the watchers will be affected as well,” Asif told Geo News.

Meanwhile, the world intensified efforts to de-escalate tensions.The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to both Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan Foreign Minister today.

Jaishankar told Rubio that India’s approach has always been measured and responsible and remains so.

“Had a conversation with US @SecRubio this morning. India’s approach has always been measured and responsible and remains so,” Jaishankar said on X.The US State Department said Rubio emphasized that both sides need to identify methods to de-escalate and re-establish direct communication to avoid miscalculation.

“He further proposed US support in facilitating productive discussions to avert future disputes,” State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.Rubio said both India and Pakistan need to identify methods to de-escalate and re-establish direct communication to avoid miscalculation, proposing support in facilitating productive discussions to avert future disputes. He spoke separately with Jaishankar and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.China on Saturday strongly urged India and Pakistan to exercise calm and restraint and return to the track of peaceful settlement amid reports of escalation of the military conflict between the two neighbours.

“We strongly urge both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, exercise calm and restraint, return to the track of political settlement through peaceful means, and refrain from any action that could further escalate tensions,” a statement by the spokesperson of the ministry said.

Saudi Arabia also early Saturday said it was making efforts to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan.