India-Pakistan ceasefire appears to hold as Trump offers more help

In his first Sunday address as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and expressed hope for a lasting resolution through dialogue.

“I welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and I hope that through negotiations we can reach a lasting agreement,” he told crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Delivering a wider “message of peace,” the pope also called for an end to the war in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of hostages. He urged the international community to ensure humanitarian aid reaches “the exhausted population” in Gaza.

Many UAE carriers have resumed flight operations to Pakistan and India after the two countries reached a ceasefire agreement after four days of intense fighting. UAE airlines Emirates, Etihad, and Air Arabia announced early Sunday, May 11, partial service resumption of flights to Pakistan, subject to the “ongoing situation” in the South Asian country.

Flying to Pakistan, India? See the latest flight resumption updates from Emirates, Etihad, and Air Arabia.

Pakistan fully reopened its airspace to all types of flights on Saturday, signaling a de-escalation in tensions with India following a recently reached ceasefire agreement.

Both countries had imposed multiple airspace restrictions since Wednesday, after escalation in India-Pakistan conflict.

In a statement issued, the Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) confirmed the full restoration of airspace nationwide and released an updated Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).

“All airports across the country are now available for normal flight operations,” a PAA spokesperson said. He advised passengers to contact their respective airlines for updated flight schedules.

Despite the reopening, officials warned that it may take some time for operations to fully normalise, as several aircraft and pieces of ground equipment had been relocated to secure sites amid the escalating tensions.

India cricket board officials were reported to be meeting Sunday to discuss a quick resumption of the IPL, following India and Pakistan agreeing a ceasefire in their deadly border conflict.

Nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan called a halt to hostilities on Saturday and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia told website cricbuzz they were "closely monitoring the evolving situation."

Saikia added they will "take a call on IPL resumption after consulting all stakeholders of IPL and the concerned government authorities."

Rajeev Shukla, vice-president of the BCCI, told Indian media that officials would meet on Sunday to decide the future course of action.

The Indian Premier League was on Friday suspended for a week, a day after a match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capital was abandoned in Dharamsala, less than 200 kilometres (125 miles) from the northern city of Jammu, where explosions were reported hours earlier.

A special train was arranged for players to return to Delhi on Friday as airspace was closed, while overseas stars began to head home on Saturday.

Teams on Sunday were reported to be contacting their overseas players and coaching staff about returning, with website ESPNcricinfo saying the IPL could restart around May 15 if given the go-ahead by the government.

There are 12 regular season games remaining to be played followed by three playoff matches and the final, originally scheduled for May 25.

US President Donald Trump said late Saturday he would increase trade "substantially" with India and Pakistan.

"I am going to increase trade, substantially, with both of these great Nations," he posted on TruthSocial after the arch-rivals agreed to a ceasefire after days of deadly fighting.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that Beijing supported India and Pakistan's efforts to reach a ceasefire, and remains "willing to continue playing a constructive role" in the process, state news agency Xinhua reported.

Wang made the comment during telephone talks with Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, adding that Beijing remained concerned about any escalation in the conflict, given that it shares borders with both countries.

In a separate call with India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Wang said he hoped both sides would "remain calm and restrained... and avoid escalating the situation," after reported violations of the ceasefire agreement reached Saturday.

"China supports and expects India and Pakistan to achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire through consultation," Xinhia quoted Wang as saying to Doval.

Pakistan is ready to pursue "constructive diplomacy" with India and resolve all outstanding issues through peaceful means, the country’s foreign ministry said on Saturday, according to CNN.

The statement came just hours after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire, and sought to clarify Islamabad’s recent actions and intentions.

“Despite facing blatant Indian aggression and persistent provocations, Pakistan exercised great restraint. However, it was constrained to respond to ensure the safety and security of its people,” the ministry said in a statement.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri issued a brief statement late Saturday night, stating that there have been "repeated violations" following the ceasefire agreement reached earlier in the day with Pakistan.

"This is a breach of the understanding arrived at earlier today," Misri said, adding that India’s armed forces are responding appropriately to the developments.

He concluded by calling on Pakistan to "address these violations."

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed flight operations following the reopening of Pakistani airspace, according to a spokesperson for the national carrier, as reported by Dawn News.

“PIA’s Paris-Islamabad flight PK 750, which landed in Quetta earlier this morning, will return to Islamabad at 9 pm,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying by Dawn News. “Other PIA flights will resume from 10 pm, with all grounded or delayed flights set to operate.”

The airline added that passengers who returned home or were accommodated in hotels are being contacted and instructed to return to airports. Additionally, aircraft and equipment moved to safe locations are being returned to operational areas.

Hours after the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, Jammu’s Udhampur was once again targeted by drones, while explosions set off sirens and a blackout in Srinagar.

Explosions were heard throughout the city of Srinagar in Indian Kashmir on Saturday evening, just hours after the ceasefire was reached. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of the federal territory, confirmed the incidents in a post on X.

Media reports indicate that seven to eight explosions were heard in Srinagar, while drones were also spotted in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer and Barmer regions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with key government officials, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, after India and Pakistan reached an agreement to halt military actions.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the three armed forces chiefs also participated in the meeting.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, hoping that it will be implemented, his spokesperson Farhan Haq said on Saturday.

"We welcome all efforts at de-escalation and hope that the ceasefire will be implemented”, Haq said. added, “We are monitoring" the situation.

Guterres had expressed deep concern over the conflict, saying, “The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan”.

He repeatedly asked for de-escalating the conflict, including by holding a meeting with reporters exclusively on the subject.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy praised the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, calling it “hugely welcome.”

He urged both nations to maintain the truce, emphasizing that de-escalation is in everyone’s best interest, in a post on X.

Similarly, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, described the ceasefire as a “vital step toward de-escalation,” stressing the need for all efforts to ensure its adherence.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held phone calls with Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India, and Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan.

During the calls, Sheikh Abdullah commended the wisdom of both sides in agreeing to a ceasefire, which he said would benefit both countries, their peoples, and the South Asia region as a whole. Sheikh Abdullah expressed his hope that this step would contribute to enhancing security and stability in the region, and reaffirmed the strong historical ties that bind the United Arab Emirates with both the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

He emphasised that the UAE, which enjoys deep and historic relationships with both nations, supports their efforts to strengthen peace and development, stressing the importance of dialogue as the sole path to resolving disputes and conflicts and to fostering closer relations between the two friendly countries.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, expressing his hope that this step would contribute to enhancing security and stability in the South Asia region.

Sheikh Abdullah commended the efforts made by U.S. President Donald Trump in this regard and appreciated the efforts of both countries in reaching this agreement. Sheikh Abdullah expressed his confidence in the commitment and wisdom of both nations to uphold a permanent ceasefire, in a way that benefits both countries and the region as a whole.

Sheikh Abdulla also emphasised the strong historical ties that bind the United Arab Emirates with both India and Pakistan. He further stressed that diplomacy and dialogue are the best means to build bridges of trust and establish a lasting peace that fulfills the aspirations of the two friendly peoples for stability, development, and prosperity.

Pakistan’s airspace has been fully reopened for all types of flights, according to the Pakistan Airport Authority (APA).

In a statement, the APA confirmed that all airports across the country are now operating normally and open for regular flight operations.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire starting at 5 p.m. IST (7:30 a.m. ET) on Saturday.

Speaking at a press briefing, Misri said Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called his Indian counterpart earlier in the day, and both sides agreed to halt all military actions—on land, air, and sea—from the agreed time.

The two DGMOs are scheduled to hold further discussions on Monday.

India's Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, confirmed that both India and Pakistan will "halt all firing and military operations on land, air, and sea" starting at 17:00 IST.

Misri stated that the director general of military operations from Pakistan contacted his Indian counterpart earlier today, and both parties agreed to cease all military actions across all domains at 17:00 local time (12:30 BST).

Further discussions between the two sides are scheduled for May 12.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised India and Pakistan’s leaders for their "prudence" in agreeing to a ceasefire following a series of deadly attacks that nearly led to broader conflict, CNN reports.

“I am pleased to announce that the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and will begin talks on a range of issues at a neutral location,” Rubio wrote on X on Saturday.

Rubio commended Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for “their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace.”

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, confirmed that Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire "with immediate effect," following US President Donald Trump’s announcement on his Truth Social platform.

"Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity," Dar stated in a post on X.

The unexpected ceasefire announcement came after both countries continued to accuse each other of strikes into Saturday morning.

US president Donald Trump has announced a full and immediate ceasefire between India and Pakistan with a post on his social media network. 

Trump said: “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire. 

“Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

The unexpected announcement has not drawn an immediate reaction from India or Pakistan, who continued to trade missile barrages overnight. 

The Jammu and Kashmir Haj Committee announced on Saturday that all scheduled Haj flights from Srinagar International Airport have been cancelled until May 14, 2025, due to prevailing circumstances.

In an official notification, the committee stated: “In continuation of the office notification dated 09-05-2025, it is to inform that all chartered Haj flights scheduled up to 14-05-2025 stand cancelled in light of the current situation.”

Pilgrims scheduled to travel for the pilgrimage have been advised to await further instructions. The committee assured that a revised flight schedule and any alternative arrangements would be communicated through official channels as soon as possible.

The situation also led to the cancellation of Flight SG-5210, which was originally scheduled for May 10, 2025. The committee said the revised schedule will be shared with affected pilgrims at the earliest.

India and Pakistan signalled they are willing to de-escalate after strikes on military bases by both sides on Saturday raised fears of all-out war and prompted warnings from the US and China.

"If India stops, we will stop," said Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in an interview with Samaa TV, just hours after the army announced it had struck several Indian military sites in retaliation for New Delhi's missile attacks on Pakistani airbases.

At a briefing in New Delhi, Indian officials said that any future action would depend on Pakistan's next steps. "Indian Armed Forces reiterate commitment to non-escalation provided it is reciprocated by Pakistani military," said Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. The briefing primarily focused on how India repelled Pakistan's military attacks earlier in the day.

Pakistan's airspace was shut on Saturday, after the military said India had launched a series of attacks on airbases.

"Pakistan's airspace will remain closed for all kinds of flights until Sunday 12:00 PM," the statement said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged India and Pakistan to restore direct lines of communication to "avoid miscalculation" in their growing conflict, the State Department said.

In separate telephone calls with the rivals' foreign ministers, Rubio "emphasised that both sides need to identify methods to de-escalate and re-establish direct communication to avoid miscalculation," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said.

China on Saturday urged India and Pakistan to avoid an escalation in fighting, Beijing's foreign ministry said, as the conflict between its two nuclear-armed neighbours spiralled toward full-blown war.

"We strongly call on both India and Pakistan to give priority to peace and stability, remain calm and restrained, return to the track of political settlement through peaceful means and avoid taking actions that further escalate tensions," a statement by a foreign ministry spokesperson said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered US support to begin "constructive talks" between India and Pakistan, speaking to Islamabad's army chief Asim Munir, as the neighbouring nations exchanged fire for a fourth day.

Rubio "continued to urge both parties to find ways to deescalate and offered US assistance in starting constructive talks in order to avoid future conflicts," State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement.

Indian army on Saturday reported fresh Pakistani attacks along the border with its arch-foe as the conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours spiralled.

"Pakistan's blatant escalation with drone strikes and other munitions continues along our western border," the army said on X. AFP journalists reported loud explosions in Srinagar, the capital of Indian-administered Kashmir.

Pakistan's army said it struck several Indian military sites early Saturday in retaliation for India's missile strikes on airbases, a significant escalation in the conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The army said in a statement it hit Indian airbases and other military sites in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir region and in Punjab state. India's Ministry of Defence didn't immediately respond to Pakistan's claims, but local media in India reported that the strikes were intercepted.

Pakistan's military on Saturday said India launched another wave of missiles targeting three air bases - including one on the outskirts of the capital - as the conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours spiralled toward full-blown war.

Military spokesman Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry in a live broadcast aired by state television in the middle of the night said India had "attacked with missiles" targeting three air bases.

He said a "majority of the missiles" had been intercepted and "no flying assets" had been damaged.

One of the bases targeted, Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi, the garrison city where the army is headquartered, is around 10 kilometres from the capital Islamabad.

Several blasts were heard from the capital overnight.

The G7 group of nations called for "immediate de-escalation" and "maximum restraint" in the conflict between India and Pakistan, as the nuclear-armed neighbours spiralled toward full-blown war.

"Further military escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability," the foreign ministers of the seven wealthy democracies said in a statement, adding that both sides should "engage in direct dialogue towards a peaceful outcome."

World powers have called for both sides to exercise "restraint," with several offering to mediate the dispute.

On Friday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir in Islamabad, according to a statement.

That meeting came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met his Indian counterpart in Delhi on Thursday, days after visiting Pakistan.

Pakistan postponed its T20 League indefinitely on Friday amid escalating tensions with India, just a day after relocating the event to the UAE. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) cited the worsening situation, including the incursion of 78 drones from across the border.

The decision followed advice from Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. The PSL's tenth edition featured 37 foreign players, including David Warner, Jason Holder, and Michael Bracewell. Most foreign players sought to leave after a drone fell near Rawalpindi’s cricket stadium, where a match was cancelled.

With eight matches remaining, including the final on May 18, the PCB emphasised that player safety and mental well-being were top priorities.

India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has extended the closure of 28 airports until 5:29am on May 15 due to rising tensions with Pakistan.

The decision, originally in place until May 10, was announced on Friday following a high-level meeting with key stakeholders.

A senior government official confirmed that both airlines and airport authorities have been duly notified of the extension, which is being implemented as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety.

Explosions resumed in Jammu amid a blackout, Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on X, adding that “intermittent blasts, likely heavy artillery” were heard.

Drones were sighted over Jammu, Samba, and Pathankot in Punjab, according to defense spokesperson Suneel Bartwal, who confirmed they are being “engaged.” Blackouts were also reported in Samba and Pathankot.

Shelling was reported in Uri, near the Line of Control, as Indian forces said they repelled overnight drone and artillery attacks from Pakistan. Islamabad has denied launching any such assaults.

Oman Air has cancelled its Muscat-Karachi flights scheduled for May 10, citing periodic closures of Pakistani airspace. Flights from May 11 are expected to operate normally, but the airline is monitoring the situation and assisting affected passengers.

Meanwhile, SalamAir has temporarily suspended flights to Pakistan due to current regional issues. The airline apologised for the disruption, assuring that safety is a top priority. Affected customers will be contacted, and the airline is available 24/7 for assistance via phone and email.

Flight operations at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport have resumed following a temporary suspension, according to Pakistan Airports Authority spokesperson Saifullah Khan.

He confirmed to Dawn.com that all other airports across the country are operating normally.

The Indian Premier League cricket tournament has been suspended due to the heightened border tensions between India and Pakistan, Indian media reported Friday.

The officials decided to suspend the T20 league for one week after a match on Thursday was abandoned in Dharamsala - less than 200 kilometres from the town of Jammu, where explosions were reported hours earlier, the reports said.

Indian cricket will decide on Friday what happens to the rest of the IPL season, a senior official said, after deadly confrontations between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan.

An Indian Premier League match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala - less than 200 kilometres from the town of Jammu, where explosions were reported hours earlier - was abandoned Thursday because of apparent floodlight failure.

Sunday's game between Punjab and Mumbai Indians, which had been due to take place in Dharamsala, has been moved.

"We are monitoring the situation, seeking the government's advice, and will take the final decision on the IPL tomorrow," Rajeev Shukla, vice-president of cricket board the BCCI, told The Indian Express on Thursday.

"The situation is changing day by day. We will do whatever we are told and inform all stakeholders.

"At the moment, our priority is the safety of all players, fans and stakeholders."

The newspaper - without disclosing its sources - said that the BCCI is "keeping its options open", with suspending the world's richest cricket league or revising its itinerary among possible options.

The Civil Aviation Ministry has said that 24 airports across the country have been temporarily closed for civil flight operations as of Thursday evening amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, which soared further after a Pakistani drone and missile attack on Indian cities in Jammu, Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

In response to the elevated threat level, several Indian airlines have issued travel advisories, urging passengers to plan accordingly and cooperate with the enhanced security checks.

The Ministry did not specify the duration of the closures or the reasons behind the move.

The closures are part of a broader security protocol, with several of the affected airports located close to the international border or in strategically significant areas.

Pakistan's T20 cricket league will be relocated to the United Arab Emirates, officials said Friday, after Indian attacks on the country including a drone that reached Rawalpindi stadium.

"Pakistan Cricket Board confirms that the remaining eight matches of the Pakistan Super League have been shifted to the United Arab Emirates," read a PCB statement

Pakistan's Foreign Office has dismissed India's claims of missile and drone strikes on Indian military bases as "baseless and irresponsible," warning that such allegations could escalate regional tensions.

The statement clarified that no targets had been hit across the Line of Control or international border, and Pakistan has only taken defensive actions. Officials also denied any air force losses and accused Indian media of spreading misinformation.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar added on X that Pakistan has not targeted any locations in Jammu & Kashmir and has given only defensive responses. He called on the international community to take note.

Indian airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air, have urged passengers to arrive early at airports after the Indian government raised security levels at all airports.

IndiGo advised, "Allow extra time for security checks and formalities," while Air India announced that check-in counters will close 75 minutes before departure due to enhanced security. Akasa Air also recommended arriving at least three hours before flight time.

In response to security threats, India temporarily shut down operations at 24 airports in northern and western regions, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

Educational institutions in Punjab will be closed for the next three days, while schools in Jammu and Kashmir up to grade 12 will remain shut tomorrow, authorities have announced.

The closures in Punjab, impacting all levels of education, were confirmed by the state's Education Minister, Harjot Singh Bains. This decision comes after reports of intercepted Pakistani attacks on multiple locations, including Punjab, though Pakistan has denied these claims.

Separately, a spokesperson for the Jammu and Kashmir education ministry confirmed the one-day closure for schools in their region.

India's army has reported that Pakistan launched missiles and drones at three of its military bases in Jammu, Udhampur (both in Indian-administered Kashmir), and Pathankot (in Punjab).

In a statement on X, the military confirmed there were no losses and that the threat had been successfully "neutralised."

The IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala on Thursday, May 8, was called off due to security concerns stemming from attacks by Pakistan in various parts of India.

The match was halted after 10.1 overs with PBKS at 122 for 1. A power outage caused one of the floodlight towers to malfunction, and later, two more towers were switched off, prompting spectators to leave. The IPL confirmed the cancellation via its official X account.

Earlier, the match between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, scheduled for Sunday in Dharamsala, was moved to Ahmedabad due to escalating tensions with Pakistan.

To ensure the safety of players and officials, the BCCI has arranged a special train to transport them from Dharamsala to Delhi. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia highlighted that the decision was made to prioritise safety, and the situation is being closely monitored for any further developments.

Pakistan's army said it shot down 12 drones from India, signalling a continued escalation in hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The drones, launched in the early hours of Thursday, killed one civilian and injured four soldiers, according to military spokesman Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. He shared images of the downed drones during a news conference.

In a statement following the briefing, Pakistan claimed it has shot down a total of 25 Indian drones "so far."

India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Defence did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Separately, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said on Thursday that “it is not our intention to escalate this situation,” but affirmed that India would retaliate if attacked. He made the remarks during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged India and Pakistan to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions and engage in dialogue, while pressing Islamabad to end any support for "terrorist groups."

Rubio, in calls with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, "emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation," according to a State Department statement.

"He expressed US support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications," said the statement, issued by spokeswoman Tammy Bruce.

In his call with Sharif, Rubio "reiterated his calls for Pakistan to take concrete steps to end any support for terrorist groups" and also "expressed sorrow for the reported loss of civilian lives in the current conflict."

Loud explosions were reported at the airport of Jammu on Thursday, a security source told AFP.

Shesh Paul Vaid, a former director general of police for Jammu and Kashmir, also wrote on social media that there were "loud explosions".

The security source, who was not authorised to speak to the media, could not give the cause of the explosions, but it came as India and Pakistan accused each other of carrying out waves of drone attacks.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings, originally scheduled for tonight at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, has been postponed.

In a statement, the PCB said the decision was made "in consultation with all the stakeholders" and that a new date would be announced later. No reason was given for the rescheduling.

Earlier, several media outlets reported that Indian drone strikes had caused damage near the stadium. While the Pakistani government has not confirmed this, the country’s army stated that an Indian drone had crashed in a street close to the venue.

All flight operations at Karachi airport will remain suspended until midnight due to "operational reasons", Pakistan's airport regulator has said, according to the BBC.

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) had earlier announced the suspension of flights until 6pm local time but later extended it.

Stranded passenger Mohammad Sikandar told the Associated Press that he was scheduled to travel to the UAE but only found out about the cancellation after reaching the airport.

“The authorities said they will contact me after five to six days if flights are restored,” he said.

The government of Punjab province in Pakistan has announced that all schools will remain closed on May 9 and 10, according to an official notification issued Thursday.

However, the notice clarified that international examinations, including O-level and A-level tests, will proceed as scheduled.

India said it targeted air defense systems at multiple locations across Pakistan on Thursday morning, CNN reported, citing a government statement.

This marks the first official confirmation by India that it has struck Pakistani military installations.

According to the statement, the action was in response to Pakistan’s overnight attempts to hit several military targets in northern and western India using drones and missiles.