IntelScoops

ISLAMABAD / NEW DELHI – Monday, August 4, 2025

Military tension surged across the Line of Control (LoC) on Monday as both India and Pakistan intensified air activity over the disputed Kashmir region, triggering fears of a potential escalation in one of the world’s most volatile flashpoints.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) announced it was “alert and ready to respond to any Indian misadventure” after a wave of sorties was observed over Skardu, Sargodha, and Bahawalpur. Simultaneously, India ordered the closure of airspace over Jammu and Kashmir to civilian flights, further escalating concern over military readiness along the border.

Fighter Jets in the Skies

Residents on both sides of the LoC reported an unusual and sustained presence of low-flying aircraft throughout Sunday night and into Monday morning. In Pakistan, PAF fighter jets were seen conducting aerial manoeuvres over key bases, while in Indian-administered Kashmir, locals described a “heavy military atmosphere,” including increased helicopter activity.

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation has not issued a public statement, but flight tracking data confirmed that commercial air traffic was being rerouted away from northern air corridors—an indication of heightened alert status.

Words of Warning

A senior Pakistani defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, warned that “any provocation across the LoC will be met with a firm and immediate military response.” While Pakistan’s military did not specify the trigger behind the increased activity, its statement echoed concerns over what it called “recent aggressive posturing by Indian forces.”

Indian defence sources remained tight-lipped. Officials in New Delhi declined to confirm the cause of the airspace closure or any specific military operation. However, analysts in both countries say the coordinated air movements and restriction of civilian air traffic are clear signs of both nations preparing for contingencies.

Historical Weight of Escalation

The Kashmir region has long been a tinderbox for conflict between India and Pakistan. Both nations claim the region in full but control it in parts. They have fought two wars over Kashmir and continue to maintain one of the world’s most militarised borders along the LoC.

While a ceasefire agreement has largely held since early 2021, skirmishes, drone incursions, and cross-border shelling have persisted sporadically. Diplomatic channels between the two nuclear-armed neighbours remain largely frozen.

A Call for Restraint

Defence experts are urging calm, warning that even minor missteps in the current climate could lead to rapid escalation. “Both sides are flexing muscle at a dangerous time,” said retired Indian Air Marshal Raghav Shankar. “The lack of communication makes this even more precarious.”

International observers, including the United Nations and regional powers, have not yet commented formally. However, diplomatic sources indicate quiet monitoring and backchannel communication in hopes of de-escalating the situation before it spirals.

For now, Kashmir’s skies remain tense, its borders heavily guarded, and its residents once again living under the shadow of conflict.