Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed readiness for a “neutral, transparent, and credible” investigation into the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people on April 22. Speaking at a military academy event in Abbottabad, Sharif rejected India’s accusations of Pakistan’s involvement in “cross-border terrorism,” emphasizing Islamabad’s openness to an impartial probe to uncover the truth behind the attack that targeted tourists in the scenic Baisaran meadow.

Sharif also underscored the strength of Pakistan’s military, stating, “Our armed forces are fully equipped to safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity against any aggression, as proven by their resolute response to India’s reckless incursion in February 2019.” His remarks came amid escalating tensions, with both nations imposing severe retaliatory measures. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, citing Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism, while Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines and warned that any attempt to disrupt Indus water flows would be treated as an “act of war.”

The situation along the Line of Control (LoC) worsened, with the Indian Army reporting “unprovoked” small arms fire from multiple Pakistani posts overnight on Friday, marking the second consecutive night of cross-border exchanges. “Indian troops responded appropriately with small arms,” the Army stated, noting no casualties. Pakistan has not officially confirmed the incident, though both sides acknowledged similar gunfire the previous night.

Diplomatic relations have deteriorated sharply. Pakistan expelled Indian diplomats and military advisers, revoked visas for Indian nationals (except Sikh pilgrims), and closed the Wagah border crossing. India, in turn, implemented measures like suspending visa services for Pakistanis and reducing diplomatic staff in Islamabad. Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed on Thursday to “track and punish” those responsible for the attack, promising to pursue terrorists and their supporters relentlessly.

The United Nations has called for “maximum restraint” from both nations, which have a history of multiple wars, while U.S. President Donald Trump minimized the crisis, suggesting it would be resolved “one way or another.” As cross-border tensions and military exchanges persist, Sharif’s call for a neutral investigation aims to defuse accusations, but the deepening rift between India and Pakistan raises concerns about further escalation in the volatile region.

Influencer Tanya Mittal has ignited a firestorm of controversy with her statement, “Terrorism has no religion,” made in the wake of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed 26 lives.

The remark, shared across her sizable Instagram and YouTube platforms, aimed to denounce terrorism but instead triggered widespread backlash for appearing to trivialize the tragedy’s gravity.

Social media erupted with criticism, with many users slamming Mittal for her perceived insensitivity at a time when the nation grapples with the attack’s aftermath. The timing and context of her comment, seen as glossing over the complex religious and political dimensions of the incident, fueled heated debates online.

While a few supporters defended her call for unity, the majority deemed her words ill-judged, arguing that addressing terrorism requires acknowledging its deeper roots rather than resorting to broad platitudes.

Amid the uproar, speculation swirled about Mittal’s alleged ties to the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department, prompting the agency to issue a swift clarification.

“Ms. Tanya Mittal is not associated with MP Tourism in any capacity,” the department stated, countering erroneous media reports and social media posts that had linked her to their campaigns. The move aimed to shield the department’s reputation from the influencer’s controversial stance.

The episode underscores the delicate role influencers play in shaping public discourse. With millions of followers, figures like Mittal wield significant sway, but their statements on sensitive issues like terrorism carry weighty responsibilities. Critics argued that her comment oversimplified a fraught issue, failing to resonate with a nation mourning the Pahalgam victims and navigating heightened security concerns.

The Madhya Pradesh Police have also intensified their crackdown on inflammatory online content related to the attack, recently arresting two individuals in Damoh for posting objectionable material. This reflects India’s growing vigilance over digital narratives surrounding national security.

The controversy has sparked broader discussions about influencer accountability. While Mittal’s intent may have been to promote peace, her words highlighted the risks of addressing complex issues without nuance.

President Droupadi Murmu led an Indian delegation to Vatican City to pay tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away recently, visiting Saint Peter’s Basilica to offer her respects.

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, shared details of the visit, noting that President Murmu was joined by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Minister of State George Kurian.

“President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to His Holiness Pope Francis at Saint Peter’s Basilica, accompanied by Ministers Kiren Rijiju and George Kurian,” Jaiswal posted on X, sharing images from the solemn occasion.

Arriving in Rome on Friday, April 25, 2025, President Murmu will attend the funeral mass for Pope Francis on Saturday, joined by global leaders. The Indian delegation also includes Joshua D’Souza, deputy speaker of the Goa assembly, reflecting India’s respect for the late pontiff.

Pope Francis, who died at 88 on April 21 at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, was the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, assuming the papacy on March 13, 2013, after Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation.

In honour of Pope Francis, the Government of India declared a three-day state mourning. Two days were observed on April 22 and 23, with a final day of mourning set for Saturday, coinciding with the funeral. The National Flag will be flown at half-mast across India on all buildings where it is regularly displayed, and no official entertainment will take place on the day of the funeral, as a mark of reverence for the Supreme Pontiff.

The Vatican is preparing to convene a conclave of Cardinals soon after the funeral to elect Pope Francis’ successor, a process that will shape the future leadership of the Catholic Church.

President Murmu’s visit underscores India’s commitment to fostering global goodwill and honoring the legacy of a pontiff who championed compassion and dialogue, leaving a profound impact on millions worldwide.