US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Holds Talks with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir

Heavy Indian Strikes Hit Major Pakistani Cities and Military Installations

In a significant escalation of hostilities, India launched retaliatory strikes on May 10 targeting major Pakistani cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore, in response to continued ceasefire violations. The operation reportedly struck three major Pakistani military airbases — Nur Khan, Murid, and Rafiqui — alongside army positions in Sialkot and Narowal, inflicting heavy military damage.

Indian defence sources confirmed precision strikes on Pakistani drone launch pads near the border, with video evidence showing the destruction of enemy posts used to conduct aerial infiltration across Jammu. Explosions were also heard throughout Pathankot, while Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir saw property damage and civilian casualties due to heavy cross-border artillery shelling.

Highlights:

• Indian Air Force targets three key Pakistani airbases and multiple military positions.

• Explosions reported in Pathankot; Rajouri sustains civilian and infrastructural damage.

• Drone launch sites used for attacks on Indian territory neutralised by Indian forces.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Speaks with Pakistan’s Army Chief; Calls for De-escalation

The White House confirmed that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistani Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir, emphasizing Washington’s concerns over the rising military conflict and urging both nations to de-escalate tensions. According to spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the U.S. has offered assistance in initiating diplomatic talks, underscoring the regional and global stakes of further escalation.

Rubio reportedly highlighted the risks of miscalculation and warned against actions that could destabilize South Asia. This marks the first high-level international intervention since the recent outbreak of large-scale hostilities.

Highlights:

• Secretary Rubio urges de-escalation in call with Pak Army Chief Munir.

• U.S. offers support for constructive dialogue and conflict resolution.

• Global powers begin weighing diplomatic measures to prevent wider fallout.

Fuel Crisis Looms in Islamabad as Petrol Pumps Shut for 48 Hours

Amid the growing conflict, fuel supplies in Islamabad have dried up, prompting the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration to shut all petrol stations for 48 hours, according to a News18 report. Local sources cite a potential shortage in fuel transportation and panic buying as underlying causes.

The closure has caused major disruptions across the Pakistani capital, with long queues forming at fuel stations prior to the shutdown. Reports suggest that fuel tankers are being rerouted to military bases, further exacerbating civilian access.

Highlights:

• Islamabad petrol pumps shut amid supply crisis and security fears.

• 48-hour emergency order in place to manage public and military logistics.

• Panic buying and diverted supplies add to growing civilian unrest.

Rajouri Shelling Kills Government Official, Triggers Statewide Alert in Jammu and Kashmir

Amid sustained cross-border attacks, Raj Kumar Thapa, Additional District Development Commissioner of Rajouri, was killed alongside four others during a heavy Pakistani artillery shelling in Rajouri, Poonch, and Jammu districts. The shell struck his official residence, fatally injuring Thapa and his staff.

The deaths mark a severe escalation in civilian-targeted shelling, triggering fresh security alerts across border districts. Rescue operations and medical aid efforts are underway, though continued shelling is hampering relief.

Highlights:

• Top government official among five killed in Pakistani artillery shelling.

• Rajouri, Poonch, and Jammu regions face significant civilian impact.

• Border security measures intensified across Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan Convenes Emergency NCA Meeting Amid Rising Military Tensions

With Indian retaliation reportedly reaching deep into Pakistani territory, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has convened an emergency meeting of the National Command Authority (NCA) — the apex civilian-military decision-making body overseeing Pakistan’s national security and nuclear arsenal.

Sources indicate that top defence officials and intelligence heads are attending the high-level meeting, discussing next military steps, potential diplomatic outreach, and strategic deterrence posture. International observers have flagged concerns about nuclear readiness escalation, though no official reference to nuclear assets has been made.

Highlights:

• NCA convened to review military options and strategic posture.

• Meeting includes senior military, intelligence, and civilian leadership.

• Rising speculation over next steps amid international concern over nuclear deterrence.

Maharashtra Steps Up Coastal Security, Issues Orders to Fishermen

While land borders remain the primary theatre of conflict, the Maharashtra government has issued new coastal security guidelines in light of potential maritime threats. Fishermen along the Palghar coast have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance, and transponders are being mandated for fishing boats to ensure real-time tracking.

State authorities confirmed coordination with the Indian Navy and other maritime agencies to fortify western coastal defences, as concerns rise about possible infiltration or sabotage attempts via the sea route.

Highlights:

• Maharashtra enhances coastal monitoring amid land conflict.

• Fishermen given security directives; tracking equipment being deployed.

• Indian Navy working closely with state agencies to monitor maritime borders.