Amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has declared a no-fly zone in its capital Islamabad and the city of Lahore. The no-fly zone, enforced through a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued by Pakistan’s aviation authorities, prohibits all aircraft from operating in these critical airspaces until May 2, 2025. This decision follows growing fears that India may retaliate militarily in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that left 26 people dead.

Pakistan’s Response: Airspace Closed and Military Strike Fears

The decision to impose a no-fly zone over Islamabad and Lahore comes as Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar escalated concerns by claiming that Pakistan had received credible intelligence indicating that India was preparing for a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours. This announcement has caused panic across the nation, particularly in the two largest cities, Islamabad and Lahore, where security has been significantly heightened.

Tarar alleged that India was using the Pahalgam attack as a pretext to justify military aggression, accusing India of making "baseless and concocted" claims regarding Pakistan’s involvement in the incident. He further warned that any Indian military action would be met with a decisive response from Pakistan, which has long been a victim of terrorism and condemns violence in all forms. The Pahalgam attack, which targeted tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, has become a flashpoint for the escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

India's Strong Stance: Retaliation and Airspace Disruption

Following the terror attack in Pahalgam, which was one of the deadliest in recent years, India has vowed to retaliate strongly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to bring the attackers and their backers to justice, making it clear that India would pursue the perpetrators "to the ends of the earth." The Indian government has given its armed forces complete operational freedom to decide the timing and nature of the response, further intensifying the fear of military escalation.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has already taken steps to close its airspace for Indian airlines, a move that has created disruptions in air travel. In response, India's Civil Aviation Minister, K. Rammohan Naidu, acknowledged the situation and assured that the Indian government is assessing the impact of the airspace closure and working on alternative solutions with airlines to manage the disruption.

Military Concerns and Mass Resignations in Pakistan

Amid fears of an Indian military response, Pakistan's military is reportedly experiencing significant internal turmoil. The growing anxiety over the threat of a military strike has resulted in mass resignations within the armed forces, with reports indicating that 5,000 military personnel have quit their posts in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. This has caused concerns over the military's readiness to handle a potential escalation. The wave of resignations reportedly includes high-ranking officers, and it remains unclear how the Pakistani army will respond if India escalates tensions further.

International Reaction and Diplomatic Efforts

In the broader international context, Pakistan has appealed to the global community to be vigilant and to prevent any military escalation between the two nations. Pakistan has stated that India's military aggression would trigger serious consequences and that the onus of any escalation lies with India. Meanwhile, Pakistan has called for an independent investigation into the Pahalgam attack and has proposed the formation of a neutral commission to probe the incident. However, India has rejected this offer, maintaining that Pakistan’s involvement in terrorism in India should be the primary focus.

Conclusion: Rising Tensions and Regional Security Concerns

As the deadline of May 2 approaches, the no-fly zone over Islamabad and Lahore remains in place, heightening the sense of unease in Pakistan. The looming threat of a military strike has created a volatile situation, not only for India and Pakistan but also for the broader South Asian region. The Pahalgam attack has become a flashpoint, and both nations seem to be bracing for the possibility of further escalation, which could have devastating consequences for regional peace and security.

The coming days will be crucial in determining whether diplomatic channels can de-escalate the situation or whether tensions will spill over into direct conflict. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, hoping that both countries will exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution.

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