Tensions remain high on LoC as Pakistan, India trade fire for fifth consecutive night

Tensions continue to rise along the Line of Control (LoC) as Pakistan and India exchanged fire for the fifth consecutive nighr. In response, the United States and China urged restraint and called on the two nuclear-armed neighbours to pursue a responsible and peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Amid the escalating situation, political analysts voiced deep concern over the potential for further conflict along the LoC . the de facto border between Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, established under the 1972 Simla Agreement.

It is worth noting that Pakistan suspended its adherence to the Simla Agreement after India unilaterally pulled out of the Indus Waters Treaty and adopted a series of hostile measures, including revoking visas, banning Pakistani citizens from entering India, and expelling diplomatic staff.

The US State Department on Sunday confirmed that Washington is in contact with both Islamabad and New Delhi.

Read: Experts fear LOC escalation as Indian media, Hindu nationalists accuse Pakistan of Pahalgam attack

“This is an evolving situation and we are monitoring developments closely. We have been in touch with the governments of India and Pakistan at multiple levels,”  the spokesperson said.

The official added that the US condemns the terrorist incident in Pahalgam and stands with India.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiaxin commented on the situation during a daily press briefing, stating that "China welcomes all measures that will help cool down the situation."

"China hopes that the two sides will exercise restraint, meet each other halfway, properly handle relevant differences through dialogue and consultation and jointly maintain regional peace and stability," Guo added.

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Separately, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, expressing support for Pakistan’s call for an impartial investigation into the Pahalgam incident.

Wang also discussed the matter with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, voicing concerns over "India's false accusations, baseless propaganda, and unilateral actions."