Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, army-run schools in sensitive regions like Srinagar and Ranikhet have been placed on high alert following suspected cyber intrusion attempts linked to Pakistan. The alerts, issued on April 30, 2025, come amid fears that these attacks are designed to extract military-related information through seemingly innocuous education channels.

According to sources, the cyber attempts appear to focus on breaching school websites, internal communication systems, and parent-teacher messaging platforms. In response, school administrations have warned parents and staff against sharing any personal or security-related information over phone calls, emails, or messages from unknown sources.

“Any suspicious communication, including calls asking about a child’s schedule or army personnel details, must be reported immediately,” read a circular issued by one of the army schools.

Cybersecurity teams have been deployed to monitor network activity, and IT protocols have been tightened across all army schools nationwide. Officials believe the attempts are part of a broader strategy by Pakistan to exploit softer targets linked to military infrastructure for potential intelligence gathering.

This development follows reports of Pakistani warships deploying to the sea and growing fears of conflict escalation in the region after the Pahalgam terror attack.

Authorities have urged calm but stressed vigilance, emphasizing that the security of students, personnel, and sensitive data remains a top priority. An official investigation is underway, with central intelligence agencies working closely with the Ministry of Defence to neutralize any ongoing cyber threats.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to chair crucial meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) today, marking a pivotal moment in India’s response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.

This “super cabinet” session—the first CCPA meeting of its kind since the 2019 Pulwama attack—will assess high-priority political and economic strategies, while the CCS, convening at 11 AM, will focus exclusively on national security.

Government sources revealed that during a high-level meeting at his New Delhi residence on Tuesday, PM Modi granted the Indian Armed Forces “complete operational freedom” to respond decisively to the Pahalgam massacre. In a swift show of resolve, the government had earlier downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan, expelled military attaches, closed strategic border routes, and moved toward suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.

The CCPA, comprising senior ministers including Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, Nitin Gadkari, and Piyush Goyal, will steer today’s policy discussions. Their deliberations are expected to shape India’s trajectory on internal security, diplomatic engagement, and regional stability in the aftermath of renewed cross-border violence.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed early Wednesday that the country has “credible intelligence” indicating India is planning a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours, escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

In a late-night press conference and a post on X, Tarar stated, “Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends to launch a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours. Any act of aggression will be met with a decisive response. India will be fully responsible for any serious consequences in the region.”

He did not provide specific evidence to support the claim. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif echoed the warning, telling Reuters that a military incursion by India was “imminent” but emphasized that Pakistan would only use nuclear weapons if faced with a “direct threat to our existence.”

The Pahalgam attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF)—linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba—has fueled a sharp escalation in India-Pakistan relations. Pakistan has called for a neutral investigation into the attack, while India has suspended participation in the Indus Waters Treaty and revoked visas, prompting Pakistan to close its airspace to Indian airlines.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has vowed to pursue the attackers and reportedly granted the Indian military “complete operational freedom” to respond. Indian media reported ongoing anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir, raising fears of a repeat of the 2019 Balakot airstrike, when India targeted alleged militant camps in Pakistan following a similar attack.

International leaders have urged de-escalation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, emphasizing the need to avoid a confrontation with “tragic consequences.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to engage with both nations’ foreign ministers to prevent further escalation.

Analysts warn of a precarious situation. Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, noted that India may be considering a range of responses, from visible military strikes to covert actions, to restore deterrence.

India’s foreign ministry has not yet responded to Pakistan’s allegations. As both nations remain on high alert, the international community watches closely, fearing miscalculations could spiral into a broader conflict in the volatile region.