Escalating Tensions: Pakistan's PM Calls Indian Missile Strikes an 'Act of War'

Pakistan's Response to Indian Missile Strikes

In a significant escalation of tensions, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the Indian missile strikes targeting terrorist positions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Punjab, labeling them as an 'act of war'. He asserted that Pakistan is entitled to deliver a 'befitting response'.

The Indian military conducted these missile strikes early Wednesday as a counteraction to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in multiple casualties. According to the Indian Army, these strikes were aimed at disrupting terrorist operations that have been orchestrated from within Pakistan.

Pakistan Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reported that the missile attacks resulted in the deaths of at least eight individuals and left 35 others injured across various locations in Punjab and PoK, as per reports from local media.

Chaudhry detailed that a total of 24 missile impacts were recorded in six different areas, with significant damage reported. In Ahmedpur East, the Subhan mosque was struck, leading to the deaths of five individuals, including a young girl, and injuring numerous civilians.

Further strikes were reported in Muzaffarabad and Kotli, where mosques were targeted, resulting in additional casualties and injuries. The spokesperson emphasized the destruction of several buildings and the economic impact on local communities.

Prime Minister Sharif stated that India had executed attacks at five distinct locations within Pakistan, asserting that the nation has the right to respond decisively to what he termed an act of war. He expressed confidence in the military's capability to handle the situation effectively.

In response to the escalating conflict, Pakistan has closed its airspace for 48 hours and convened a National Security Council meeting to address the situation. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the strikes as a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and international law, warning of the potential for regional instability.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif vowed a robust response, both militarily and diplomatically, emphasizing that Pakistan would retaliate swiftly. He invited international media to verify the nature of the strikes and their targets.

The Indian military's actions have drawn sharp criticism, with officials stating that the strikes were conducted from within Indian airspace, and Pakistan's military readiness remains high. The ongoing conflict has further strained relations between the two nations, particularly following the deadly Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives.

In light of these developments, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted the Indian armed forces full operational freedom to determine the timing and nature of their responses to any future threats.