Reports from the Pakistan leather-producing town of Sialkot tell of heightened tension as the border conflict with India shows no sign of de-escalating.

Best known for the production of leather footballs, Sialkot lies just a few miles from the border and in close proximity to an area where opposing troops regularly exchange gun and artillery fire. Though production has not been significantly disrupted, a leading leather garment producer confirmed that overseas buyers have become scarce on the ground – especially in the wake of the evacuation notices issued by various western embassies. He also emphasised the apprehension of the local population, as the town was one of the worst hit during the previous two wars between the two countries of 1965 and 1971.  As of the end of last week, blood donor sessions were being held at leather goods production plants and major civil defence exercises undertaken.