[India] Pakistan Clash: What Are the Humanitarian Impacts of Escalating Violence?
By: Public Relations, Peace Winds International Humanitarian Aid Journal Editorial Team
Tensions are rising rapidly between India and Pakistan—two countries with a long history of conflict. On May 7, 2025, the Indian government announced it had attacked bases of Islamist militant groups on the Pakistani side in response to a terrorist attack that occurred last month. The Pakistani government strongly condemned the strikes, reporting heavy civilian casualties and signaling plans for retaliation. Widespread concern is growing that this could trigger a dangerous cycle of escalating violence.
Why Have Tensions Escalated?
On April 22, an armed attack took place in the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam, located in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir. The assault left 26 civilians dead, including foreign tourists. India has blamed the attack on militant groups backed by Pakistan, and in retaliation, it claims to have carried out strikes on nine terrorist bases. In response, Pakistan strongly condemned India’s actions, stating that 31 civilians have been killed in the Indian attacks so far. Pakistan also announced that it had shot down five Indian fighter jets.
Following the terrorist incident, India declared the suspension of a treaty governing the distribution of water resources from the Indus River system, which flows through both countries, and has since restricted the flow of water to Pakistan. Although bilateral relations had already deteriorated rapidly, this latest exchange has brought the confrontation to a breaking point.
A History of India–Pakistan Conflict
The conflict between India and Pakistan dates back to 1947, when both countries gained independence from British colonial rule. Based on religious divisions, Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan were established as separate states. However, a dispute soon arose over the Kashmir region. While the area had a Muslim-majority population, its ruler was Hindu, leading to a territorial conflict. This triggered a sharp escalation in tensions and led to three wars between the two countries (in 1947, 1965, and 1971). Even after these wars, military clashes have continued sporadically.
Future Outlook and Risk of Military Escalation
Both India and Pakistan are nuclear-armed states. Continued retaliation and escalation could lead to a large-scale military confrontation, and the possibility of nuclear warfare cannot be ruled out. Even a single incident holds the potential to ignite a full-scale conflict. The key question going forward is: at what point will the cycle of retaliation stop? The international community is watching the situation closely. The United Nations, the United States, and other actors are urging both sides to implement an immediate ceasefire and are attempting to mediate. While both India and Pakistan likely wish to avoid an extreme deterioration of the situation, unexpected developments remain possible. Domestic political pressures could also make compromise more difficult. The coming days and weeks may prove to be a critical turning point.
“A Peaceful Resolution Through Dialogue and Immediate De-escalation”
Peace Winds Japan expresses deep concern over the growing tensions between India and Pakistan. Our mission is to protect the lives and dignity of all people. We take seriously the humanitarian consequences that further conflict and violence could bring. Along with the international community, we urgently call on all parties involved to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue and to de-escalate the situation immediately.
In 2022, Pakistan experienced devastating floods that affected one-third of the country. Thirty-three million people were impacted, and 7.9 million were forced to evacuate. In response, Peace Winds provided agricultural assistance in the disaster-affected regions. However, in 2023, further storms and heavy rains affected an additional 900,000 people, many of whom are still struggling to rebuild their lives.
We are deeply concerned that these vulnerable populations may now face even greater hardship as a result of the current crisis. We sincerely hope that humanitarian aid can proceed without disruption and that necessary support reaches those in need as quickly as possible. Peace Winds remains fully committed to doing everything in its power to ensure the safety and protection of all people’s rights.
Miho Fukui
Director, Pakistan Operations, Peace Winds Japan