MUMBAI: Cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan have reached new heights following recent military action and verbal clashes between public figures on both sides of the border.
Although the two nuclear-armed neighbours are not officially at war, the situation has escalated rapidly, sparking diplomatic unease and heightened military preparedness.
The Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed on Wednesday that the Indian Air Force conducted precision strikes on terror infrastructure located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the Bahawalpur region of Pakistan.
he strikes, launched from within Indian territory, were described by the Defence Ministry as “measured and non-escalatory”. The Indian Army later affirmed the operation on social media with the message: “Justice is served. Jai Hind.”
As clashes along the Line of Control (LoC) intensify, both sides have accused each other of unprovoked firing and civilian targeting. Meanwhile, diplomatic relations have continued to deteriorate, with both nations trading sharp rhetoric in the public and political spheres.
Amid this backdrop of conflict, the cultural exchange between the two countries particularly in the entertainment sector has also come under fire.
The latest wave of controversy was ignited by Pakistani actors taking to social media to condemn India’s military action, with some accusing Indian citizens of celebrating Pakistani casualties while forgetting the empathy extended by Pakistani artists during previous tragedies in India.
The backlash drew strong reactions from several Indian celebrities. Actress Rupali took aim at popular Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, labelling his past collaborations with the Indian film industry as “shameful”.
Joining the fray, Bigg Boss Season 18 alum Avinash Mishra issued a scathing response on social media, targeting Pakistani actors who criticised India's actions.
In a pointed message directed at Pakistani star Mahira Khan, Mishra acknowledged her loyalty to her country but warned against seeking work in India once tensions subside.
“O Mahira didi, Pakistan ko blame karne ki zarurat nahi hai humein. Evidence pure world ne dekh liye hain,” Mishra stated. “Bas ab mahaul theek hone ke baad hamare BHARAT mein kaam maangne mat aajana. But kudos for standing by your country. Yahan kuch celebs apne reach aur follower count mein gaddar ban rakhe hain. But tension nahi – baad mein unka number bhi lagega.”
Mishra also levelled criticism at fellow Indian celebrities, accusing them of staying silent during the ongoing military operation, dubbed Operation Sindoor.
“Celebrities from across the border – who built their fame on Indian audiences – now calling India’s action against terrorism ‘shameful’ and ‘cowardly’ is the height of hypocrisy,” he wrote. “Where are our celebrities now? If you cannot speak up for your country just to protect your ‘brand’ or follower count, don’t ever pretend to represent India. Silence isn’t neutral. It’s cowardice.”
The social media exchanges reflect a wider cultural and ideological divide that mirrors the geopolitical fault lines.
With military deployments increasing on both sides and border skirmishes continuing, the path to de-escalation remains uncertain.
The decades-old dispute over Kashmir continues to be the central issue fueling hostilities, exacerbated by recent militant incidents and political maneuvers on both sides.
As diplomatic channels remain largely unresponsive, the risk of further escalation looms large.
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