- A sudden and deadly wave of Indian missile strikes on Pakistani territory has pushed already tense relations between the two nuclear-armed nations to the brink of open conflict. According to security and military sources, the strikes hit five locations, killing two civilians and injuring over a dozen, including women and children.
The unprovoked aggression sparked outrage in Pakistan, where officials have condemned the attack as a brazen violation of international norms and vowed a “punishing response.” Pakistan’s military spokesperson confirmed that Indian missiles struck Kotli and Muzaffarabad in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Ahmadpur Sharqia, Bahawalpur, and Muridke in Punjab.
One of the most devastating strikes occurred in Ahmadpur Sharqia, where the Subhanallah Mosque was hit during prayer time, leaving several worshippers wounded. In Kotli, two civilians lost their lives, while 12 others were injured in Ahmadpur Sharqia, including women and minors. Preliminary reports indicate a child was among the fatalities, with at least one man and a woman critically wounded.
Security sources say there was no military presence at any of the targeted sites, and early visual evidence corroborates that the victims were unarmed civilians. “These are despicable and cowardly acts,” the Pakistan Armed Forces said in a statement, warning that India’s actions will not go unanswered.
In immediate retaliation, the Pakistan Air Force and Army launched coordinated counterstrikes. “Every drop of innocent blood will be avenged,” security officials asserted, noting that Pakistan’s military is already engaged in retaliatory operations.
India’s Ministry of Defence has admitted to the cross-border strikes, claiming attacks on nine sites in Pakistan. The offensive follows the recent deaths of 26 Indian tourists in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir—an incident New Delhi has controversially linked to Pakistan without providing evidence.
As a security precaution, Pakistan has sealed its airspace for 48 hours, canceling all domestic and international flights. The Civil Aviation Authority has issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), signaling potential further escalations.
Just a day earlier, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had warned that a military confrontation with India appeared imminent. With both nations now in a heightened state of alert, the specter of a full-scale conflict looms large, as global powers urge restraint and diplomacy.
