Drone warfare escalates Pakistan-India conflict
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.
In a dangerous escalation, New Delhi launched deadly air strikes in Punjab and Azad Kashmir on May 7. Pakistan retaliated by downing five Indian planes in air-to-air combat, later raising the tally to seven.
The second day of active conflict, in the words of the DG ISPR, marked a “serious provocation”, with drones targeting major population centres.
While Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar alluded to a conversation between the Pakistani and Indian NSAs, the DG ISPR said a day later that no direct communication had taken place.
Regardless, firing across the LoC had continued overnight, while Indian cities witnessed blackouts as part of a nationwide civil defence drill.
In the second part of this illustrated timeline, Dawn retraces the decisive moments that unfolded on May 8, shaping the news cycle at the time.
May 8
INDIA sends 25 Israeli-made Harop drones into Pakistan — all of which the military said it intercepted.
FLIGHTS from major airports remain largely suspended: around 27 Indian airports closed, while air space over Pakistan is also affected.
NATIONAL Assembly witnesses rare unity as treasury, opposition benches align, PTI expresses clear support for the armed forces.
FM DAR and DG ISPR held joint presser to debunk New Delhi’s attempt to “falsely implicate Pakistan” in attacks on Indian Punjab province.
INFORMATION Minister Tarar refutes “fake and concocted stories” about India downing F-16 and JF-17 jets, as well as claims of a Pakistani pilot being in Indian custody.
DRONES fall in major urban centres of Karachi and Lahore, resulting in scores of deaths and casualties. Drone also falls near Rawalpindi cricket stadium, where PSL matches were being played.
INDIAN Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar claims it is not their “intention to escalate the situation”, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh suggests that New Delhi is willing to engage in dialogue.
SECRETARY of State Marco Rubio makes separate phone calls to Indian and Pakistani leaders; Vice President JD Vance says neighbours’ conflict “fundamentally none of our business”.
PAKISTAN state media claims inflicting heavy damage to Indian battalion headquarters in occupied Kashmir.
All photos AFP / file
Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2026