In the wake of a devastating attack that claimed the lives of 26 tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, Kashmir's once-thriving tourism industry faces an unprecedented crisis. The assault, attributed to militants opposing non-local settlements, has not only reignited hostilities between India and Pakistan but also cast a long shadow over the region's economic lifeline.

Hotels and houseboats in Indian-administered Kashmir are now offering discounts up to 70% in a desperate bid to attract visitors. Yet, the usual influx of tourists has dwindled, leaving local businesses—from hoteliers to taxi drivers—grappling with mounting losses. On the Pakistani side, popular destinations like Neelum Valley have been sealed off, further exacerbating the economic downturn.

The attack has led to heightened military alertness along the Line of Control, with residents on both sides bracing for potential conflict. Emergency funds have been allocated, and evacuation plans are in place, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

This turmoil comes after a period of relative peace that had seen a surge in tourism, with over three million visitors to Indian Kashmir last year. Now, as geopolitical tensions escalate, the region's hopes for economic revival through tourism hang in the balance.

For the people of Kashmir, the path forward is fraught with uncertainty, as they navigate the dual challenges of security threats and economic instability.