ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — In a scene that looked more like a summer block party than an international conflict, residents in Pakistan lounged in lawn chairs, sipping chai and munching on samosas, as missiles roared overhead toward India.
“It’s like the 4th of July but with way more tension,” said Arif Khan, who brought his kids out to watch the spectacle. “We even set up a snack stand. Got to make a little extra cash, you know? Maybe we’ll use it to build a bunker or something.”
Across the border, residents in India took a similar approach. “My uncle put up a tent and charged people 50 rupees to watch the explosions. Business is booming,” said Raju Patel, holding a plate of street kebabs while keeping one eye on the sky.
Local vendors on both sides have started selling “Backyard Warfare” merchandise, including limited-edition T-shirts that read, “I Survived the Missile Showdown – 2025.”
When asked about the escalating tensions, one Pakistani official shrugged and said, “Well, at least people are finally going outside again. It’s the most action we’ve seen since the World Cup.”