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- Bilawal terms Indian attack an act of war, says Pakistan reserves the right to respond
- Airspace restored for flights, PIA spokesperson says
- Emergency imposed in Gilgit Baltistan hospitals
Islamabad (Khyber Mail): In a significant escalation of tensions, India launched a series of military strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’ after 1 a.m. on Wednesday, targeting multiple locations across Pakistan. The attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 26 Pakistanis and injuries to 46 others, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Pakistan swiftly responded to the strikes, downing five Indian fighter jets and destroying an Indian brigade headquarters and a military checkpoint along the Line of Control (LoC). The sudden escalation forced authorities to halt all flights on the ground while inbound and outbound flights were diverted to Karachi.
The military action follows repeated warnings from Islamabad about an imminent Indian attack following the Pahalgam tragedy.
- Emergency imposed in Gilgit Baltistan hospitals
An emergency has been imposed in hospitals in Gilgit-Baltistan due to escalating military tensions between India, according to a notification issued by the GB Health Department.
The leaves of doctors and hospital staff have been cancelled, and instructions have been issued to halt routine operations in the GB Central Hospital. All medicines and other arrangements required for the emergency have been completed.
In another notification, a control room has been set up in the hospital and the required staff have been deployed for emergency duty.
According to the provincial government spokesperson, rallies and processions are also being held across the region to express solidarity with the Pakistan Army.
“An emergency has been imposed in a few hospitals in Gilgit-Baltistan,” the spokesperson said. “However, offices and educational institutions are open as usual.”
- DG ISPR Confirms Civilian Casualties, Targets Hit
During a press briefing, DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that India carried out 24 airstrikes on six different locations inside Pakistan.
- Ahmedpur East, Bahawalpur: 13 people martyred, including two three-year-old girls, seven women, and four men. 37 injured, including nine women and 28 men.
- Muzaffarabad: A strike on Bilal Mosque resulted in three fatalities, while two children sustained injuries.
- Kotli: Abbas Mosque was targeted, killing two teenagers—a 16-year-old girl and an 18-year-old boy. A woman and her daughter were injured.
- Sialkot & Shakargarh: No casualties reported, but a dispensary in Shakargarh sustained minor damage.
- LoC Shelling: Five civilians, including a five-year-old child, were martyred due to Indian army firing.
- 3 Rafael, 1 x Su-30mki, 1 x Mig 29, 2 drones shoot down by Pakistan
The DG ISPR accused India of deliberately targeting mosques, calling it a reflection of the extremist Hindutva-driven mindset of Narendra Modi’s government, which he said systematically oppresses minorities—particularly Muslims.
- Pakistan Declares India’s Strikes ‘Acts of War’
Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) strongly condemned India’s offensive, labeling the strikes as “blatant violations of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and warning that they constitute acts of war under international law.
“The deliberate targeting of civilians, including innocent women and children, by the Indian military constitutes a heinous crime,” the statement read, adding that such actions violate fundamental human rights and international legal principles.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired an urgent NSC meeting attended by top military and civilian leaders, including CJCSC Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, ISI DG Gen Asim Malik, and the services chiefs. Senior government officials were also present as Pakistan strategized its next steps.
- PM Shehbaz Sharif Addresses Parliament Amid Rising Tensions
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke at an emergency parliamentary session, condemning the Indian attacks.
“India chose the cover of darkness to launch a cowardly assault on Pakistan, but our military responded with strength,” he declared. He emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to defending its sovereignty and will not tolerate foreign aggression.
- International Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met US Acting Ambassador Natalie Baker to discuss the situation, expressing concern that India’s actions have put peace in South Asia at risk. “Pakistan exercised extreme restraint, but we will not allow any threat to our security,” Naqvi stated, adding that Islamabad had already alerted friendly nations about India’s intentions.
Former Pakistani diplomat Maleeha Lodhi predicted that Washington might step in to defuse the crisis. “Further escalation in a nuclear environment is fraught with grave risks,” she warned.
The European Union urged both nations to take “immediate steps” toward de-escalation, emphasizing the need for a diplomatic resolution. The United Arab Emirates also called for restraint, while Qatar expressed deep concern over the escalating situation.
- Emergency Measures in Gilgit-Baltistan
As military tensions rise, hospitals in Gilgit-Baltistan have imposed an emergency, canceling staff leaves and suspending routine operations to handle potential casualties. Authorities have also set up emergency control rooms while rallies are being held across the region in solidarity with the Pakistan Army.
- Pakistan Calls for Global Accountability
Pakistan urged the international community to hold India accountable for its actions, stating that the strikes deliberately targeted civilian areas under the false pretext of eliminating “imaginary terrorist camps.” The NSC revealed that India’s aggression also endangered commercial airlines in the region and resulted in damage to the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project.
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong met Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss regional security, reiterating Beijing’s commitment to maintaining close coordination with Pakistan.
With tensions at an all-time high, Pakistan is preparing its diplomatic and military strategy in response to India’s aggression. As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the next steps both nations will take amid rising global concerns over stability in the region.