Islamabad: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced early Wednesday that India's recent missile strikes on Pakistani cities and Pakistan-administered Kashmir were a 'cowardly attack.' He emphasized that Islamabad was giving a 'befitting reply' to what he described as an 'act of war' by New Delhi, as the death toll from these strikes rose to 26.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Indian military confirmed that it had launched missile strikes targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan's military spokesperson, Lt Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, reported during a news conference that an additional 46 people, including women and children, sustained injuries due to the Indian missile strikes in various parts of Pakistan. The northeastern town of Ahmedpur Sharqia was particularly affected, with 13 fatalities, including women and children, following a missile strike on a mosque.
Lt Gen. Chaudhry accused the Indian army of targeting at least two Pakistani hydropower structures, describing these actions as violations of international 'norms and laws.' He asserted Pakistan's right to respond, stating, 'Pakistani reserves the right to respond and will do so at a time and place of choosing,' and vowed that 'the enemy will never be allowed to succeed in his nefarious objectives.'
In response to the Indian strikes, Pakistan claims to have downed five Indian Air Force jets and a drone. The escalation follows an April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which resulted in 26 deaths. India attributed the attack to cross-border links with Pakistan, an accusation that Islamabad has denied.
In a related move, Pakistan partially reopened its airspace for regular flights on Wednesday, as reported by Geo News citing the civil aviation authority. Additionally, Pakistan has approached the UN Security Council, informing the international body that the Indian strikes pose a threat to global peace and security. A Foreign Ministry statement reiterated Pakistan's right to respond to this aggression under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which allows for self-defense.
The conflict has led to heightened security measures within Pakistan. The Punjab province, bordering India, declared a state of emergency and ordered the closure of all educational institutions. Similarly, schools were closed in the capital, Islamabad, as tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors continue to escalate.