Pakistan has officially authorized its military to take retaliatory steps following a sharp military escalation with India. This decision came after Indian airstrikes reportedly hit six locations in Pakistan-administered territory, killing 26 civilians and injuring 46 others.
Indian Strikes Spark Crisis
On May 7, India announced it had carried out “precision strikes” at nine sites in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Indian officials claimed these locations were being used by militant groups for recruitment, training, and storing weapons. They linked the facilities to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, blaming them for an April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people.
Pakistan’s Strong Reaction
In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), where top civil and military leaders authorized “corresponding actions.” A government statement stressed that Pakistan would respond “at a time, place, and manner of its choosing,” invoking its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Read: Pakistani Leaders Unite Against Indian Missile Strikes on Civilians
Targeted Areas Identified
The Pakistani military confirmed that six areas were struck: Ahmedpur East, Muridke, Sialkot, and Shakargarh in Punjab, and Kotli and Muzaffarabad in Azad Kashmir. However Officials stated these were civilian zones, rejecting Indian claims about terrorist infrastructure.
Diplomatic Fallout
Pakistan’s foreign ministry summoned the Indian Chargé d’Affaires to protest the “unprovoked” attacks, warning that such actions threaten regional peace. The government said India was acting recklessly and would bear full responsibility for any further escalation.
India Justifies Pre-emptive Strikes
Pakistan denied any involvement in the April attack and offered cooperation in an independent investigation. Prime Minister Sharif reiterated this position in his latest statement to the NSC, In conclusion calling for transparency and dialogue.
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