Pahalgam Live: India, Pak fighting over Kashmir for 1,000 years, will figure it out: Trump
Pak Army chief evokes two-nation theory, says Muslims are distinct from Hindus in all aspects of life — religion, customs, traditions, thinking and aspirations
The US President Donald Trump has said there have been “tensions on [the Kashmir] border for 1,500 years” and that India and Pakistan will “get it figured out one way or the other”.
“I’m sure… I know both leaders. There is great tension between Pakistan and India. But there always has been,” he said on Saturday.
Meanwhile, blowing hot and cold over the Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 people on April 22, Pakistan has now offered to join any “neutral and transparent” probe into the massacre.
“The recent tragedy in Pahalgam is yet another example of this perpetual blame game, which must come to a grinding halt. Continuing with its role as a responsible country, Pakistan is open to participating in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation,” Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said at an event on Saturday (April 26).
Sharif threatens to ‘use all options’
Talking about the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty by India, Sharif said any attempt to stop, reduce, or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan would be responded to with full force and might.
Sharif threatened to use all options if the water of its share was stopped by India. “Water is our lifeline and a vital national interest, and its availability will be safeguarded at all costs and under all circumstances,” he said.
He said the entire nation stood by the armed forces of Pakistan to safeguard every inch of the homeland. “Our valiant armed forces are capable and remain fully prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty and its territorial integrity against any misadventure,” he said.
Firing along LOC
On the other hand, Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir on Saturday highlighted the “two-nation theory”, stating that Muslims and Hindus are two different nations.
“The two-nation theory was based on the fundamental belief that Muslims and Hindus are two separate nations, not one. Muslims are distinct from Hindus in all aspects of life – religion, customs, traditions, thinking and aspirations,” Munir said.
Earlier in the day, the Pakistani military resorted to unprovoked firing all across the Line of Control and Indian troops effectively responded to them, military sources said.
The exchange of fire for a second consecutive night came amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Follow more live updates below:
Live Updates
- 26 April 2025 7:40 AM GMT
Pak PM breaks silence
Breaking his silence amid rising tension with India after the deadly Pahalgam terror strike, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif struck a defensive yet conciliatory tone, offering a "neutral and transparent investigation" into the attack. But in a veiled warning, he said Pakistan is prepared to counter any aggression.
"We are open to cooperating in any impartial, credible probe... While peace remains our priority, we will never compromise on our sovereignty or security," Sharif asserted.
- 26 April 2025 6:14 AM GMT
India will give a befitting reply, says Nadda
BJP president J P Nadda on Saturday said India will give a "befitting" reply to those responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 persons lost their lives earlier this week.
Speaking to reporters in Pune after offering prayers to Shrimant Dagadusheth Ganapati, Nadda said the entire country hopes that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give a strong response to the attack.
Nadda said, "I came here to seek blessings of Ganpati Bappa. The way a cowardly attack took place in Jammu & Kashmir, the entire country is angry, and they are hoping that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give a strong reply to this attack." He said that he sought blessings that the country should face the situation strongly and give a "befitting" reply to those responsible for the attack.
"I am sure that with the blessings of Ganeshji, his wisdom and power, the country will pass this difficult time, and under PM Modi's leadership, a befitting reply will be given to those responsible," he added.
- 26 April 2025 5:47 AM GMT
Houses of terrorists razed
Houses of terrorists razed across Kashmir
Full report here:
- 26 April 2025 5:33 AM GMT
228 Pakistani nationals living in MP set to leave
As many as 228 Pakistani nationals living in Madhya Pradesh will have to leave India before the April 27 deadline set by the Centre, an official said on Saturday.
India has announced the revoking of all visas issued to Pakistani nationals from April 27 as tension between the two countries has escalated over the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, on April 22.
"As per the data we have with us, there were 228 Pakistani nationals in Madhya Pradesh. Our work is to inform them (the Centre) about such people," a senior state government official said.
Such people have to leave in keeping with the Centre's directive, he said, adding that the data about Pakistani nationals who have left is expected to arrive by evening.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has informed chief ministers of all the states to ensure no Pakistani national stays in India beyond the April 27 deadline.
Chief ministers were asked to identify Pakistani nationals staying in their respective regions and ensure their deportation, they said.
The revocation of visas does not apply to the long-term visas already issued to Hindu Pakistani nationals, which "remain valid".
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that all existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from April 27 while medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till April 29.
