THIS week marks the first anniversary of the brief 2025 military conflict between Pakistan and India, sparked by the April 22 Pahalgam attack on tourists in occupied Kashmir, which India — without evidence — linked to Pakistan.

The state dubbed this conflict ‘Marka-i-Haq’, marking Pakistan’s success against Indian unprovoked aggression and its propaganda war.

After an initial round of aerial skirmishes and cross-border shelling, India made a dangerous escalation, targeting several major populations across Pakistan with drones, most of which were intercepted.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, which was underway at the time, was also jolted when a drone fell near the Rawalpindi cricket stadium.

The third day of active conflict saw a lot of military activity on the border, with Indian shelling claiming several lives in Azad Kashmir.

In the third part of this illustrated timeline, Dawn retraces the decisive moments that unfolded on May 9, shaping the news cycle at the time.

May 9

UAV incursions from India continued, and by midday, Pakistan’s defence systems shoot down another 49 drones.

AMID the war-like situation, civil defence drills are conducted in Punjab.

ONGOING attacks prompt the Pakistan Cricket Board to postpone the remaining eight PSL matches. New Delhi also suspends the Indian Premier League for one week.

FOREIGN OFFICE calls out India’s “irresponsible, unlawful and belligerent conduct” that “brought the two nuclear-armed states closer to a major conflict”.

DESPITE escalation, backchannel diplomacy continues. White House confirms that Marco Rubio is in constant contact with leaders in both countries.

INDIAN shelling along the LoC kills at least five civilians, with Pakistan destroying three Indian posts in response.

LEADERS from across the political spectrum slam Indian actions in the National Assembly. Khawaja Asif says New Delhi is trying to detect locations of sensitive sites inside Pakistan through drone flights.

ISHAQ Dar is busy communicating Pakistan’s stance to other countries, speaking to his various counterparts, including the UK foreign secretary.

THE TRIO of DG ISPR Lt Gen Chaudhry, AVM Aurangzeb Ahmed and Vice Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz hold a joint press briefing, putting the number of civilian casualties at 33, with 76 injured. AVM Aurangzeb provides an account of how PAF shot down Indian jets on May 7.

All photos AFP / file

Published in Dawn, May 9th, 2026