ISLAMABAD: At least 51 people, including 40 civilians and 11 military personnel, martyred during India’s cross-border attacks on Azad Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country, ISPR says.
The casualties occurred during a military escalation on the night of May 06 and May 07, during which Indian forces deliberately targeted residential areas, including women, children, and the elderly, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday. “These barbaric strikes resulted in the martyrdom of 40 civilians — among them 7 women and 15 children,” the ISPR said. At least 121 others were injured, including 10 women and 27 children.
The ISPR said 11 personnel of the Pakistan armed forces were also martyred in action while defending the region. Seventy-eight others were wounded. “The armed forces mounted a resolute response… delivering precise and measured retaliation,” the statement added. The military released the names of the fallen personnel, who included air force and ground unit members as identified Naik Abdul Rehman, Lance Naik Dilawar Khan, Lance Naik Ikramullah, Naik Waqar Khalid, Sepoy Muhammad Adeel Akbar, Sepoy Nisar, Squadron Leader Usman Yousuf, Chief Technician Aurangzeb, Senior Technician Najeeb, Corporal Technician Farooq, and Senior Technician Mubashir. “Their noble sacrifice is an enduring symbol of courage, devotion, and unwavering patriotism — etched forever in the nation’s memory,” ISPR said.
The statement continued, “The armed forces, together with the people of Pakistan, pay solemn tribute to the martyred civilians and military personnel, and offer heartfelt prayers for the swift recovery of the injured.” It concluded with a warning, stating that any attempt to challenge Pakistan’s sovereignty “shall be met with a swift, full-spectrum, and decisive response, Inshallah.” Earlier, senior military officials from Pakistan and India on Monday held their first round of talks through a hotline and agreed to maintain the ceasefire agreed on Saturday after the five-day war. As part of the ceasefire deal, brokered by the United States, Director General Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan Major General Kashif Abdullah and his Indian counterpart Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai spoke to each other.
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