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.”

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.

A massive explosion rocked the Rajaei port near Bandar Abbas in southern Iran on Saturday, April 26, injuring 406 people, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. The agency had earlier reported 281 injuries, citing Mojtaba Khaledi, spokesperson for Iran’s National Emergency Organization, before the toll surged as more victims were identified.

The blast occurred at the Rajaei port, a critical hub for container shipments handling approximately 80 million tons of goods annually. Videos circulating on social media captured thick black smoke rising from the site, while others showed shattered windows in buildings several kilometers away, underscoring the explosion’s intensity.

Authorities have yet to disclose the cause of the blast. While Iran frequently experiences industrial accidents, particularly at its aging oil facilities strained by international sanctions, state television explicitly ruled out any involvement of energy infrastructure in this incident. Mehrdad Hasanzadeh, a provincial disaster management official, told state TV that first responders were working to access the affected area, while efforts were underway to evacuate the site. He noted that the explosion originated from containers at the port but provided no further details. State TV also reported a building collapse triggered by the blast, though specifics remain scarce.

Located 1,050 kilometers southeast of Tehran on the Strait of Hormuz—a vital chokepoint for 20% of global oil trade—the Rajaei port’s strategic importance amplifies concerns about the incident. The explosion coincided with ongoing diplomatic talks in Oman between Iran and the United States, marking their third round of negotiations over Tehran’s accelerating nuclear program, adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding situation.

As rescue operations continue, the rising injury toll and lack of clarity about the blast’s cause have heightened anxiety in Iran, with authorities under pressure to provide answers and ensure the safety of those affected. The incident underscores the challenges faced by Iran’s critical infrastructure and the broader implications for regional stability amid delicate international discussions.