The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has downed five Indian fighter jets and targeted multiple Indian Army installations in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IOK), according to a statement by Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry.
The actions come in response to what Pakistani officials have described as a “cowardly” Indian airstrike that killed 26 civilians and injured 46 others. DG ISPR confirmed that a drone was also shot down during the operations.
In a separate incident, an attack on the Ummalkura Mosque in Muridke, Punjab, resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injured one other. Authorities have not yet attributed responsibility for the attack.
Regarding Indian strikes on Pakistani territory, DG ISPR stated that no casualties were reported in Sialkot and Shakargarh, although a dispensary in Shakargarh sustained minor damage.
Armed forces authorised to defend against Indian hostilities: NSC Statement
During a high-level meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), the Government of Pakistan authorised the armed forces to take necessary action in response to recent Indian aggression.
The committee affirmed Pakistan’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, stating: “Pakistan reserves the right to respond, in self-defence, at a time, place, and manner of its choosing, to avenge the loss of innocent Pakistani lives and the blatant violation of its sovereignty.”
The NSC condemned the unprovoked and unjustified attacks, which it said deliberately targeted civilian areas under the false pretext of alleged terrorist camps. These attacks, according to the statement, resulted in the martyrdom of innocent men, women, and children, and inflicted damage on civilian infrastructure, including mosques.
Despite the provocation, the Pakistani government reiterated its commitment to peace, emphasising that it seeks peace with dignity and honour. The statement concluded: “Pakistan will never allow any violation of its sovereignty or territorial integrity, nor tolerate harm to its proud people.”
26 civilians martyred, 46 injured in Indian strikes: DG ISPR
Mr Sharif said that India attacked mosques and targeted innocent civilians, including children, among the martyred and injured.
Schools, colleges in Islamabad closed today amid tensions
Schools and colleges in the federal capital and other major cities of Punjab have been closed amid tension between Pakistan and India following the Indian attack.
High alert declared at major hospitals in federal capital
A high alert has been declared across all major public hospitals in the federal capital in response to the current security situation, according to hospital sources.
Key healthcare facilities, including the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and the Federal Government Polyclinic (FGPC), will remain on high alert until further notice.
Authorities have cancelled all staff leave, directing all medical and support personnel to remain on duty. Hospital staff currently outside the city have been instructed to return and report for duty immediately.
National Security Committee meeting underway; PM Shehbaz to address the nation afterwards
A meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is currently underway.
The meeting is being attended by key federal ministers, the chiefs of the three armed forces, and the National Security Advisor.
Participants will be briefed on the prevailing security situation and the recent escalation in tensions between Pakistan and India.
Discussions will focus on India’s recent acts of aggression, Pakistan Army’s military response, and deliberations on the future course of action.
Pakistan Rangers shoot down another Indian drone in Shakargarh sector
Security sources said that Pakistan has shot down another Indian drone in the Shakargarh sector.
Indian media has already confirmed that the Pakistan Air Force has shot down three jets.
High alert issued in KP amid Indian aggression; all institutions directed to remain prepared
in view of possible aggression by India, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has immediately announced emergency measures across the province. On the instructions of the Home Department, all field formations, emergency services, and district administrations have been put on high alert.
According to the official announcement, instructions have been issued to activate all district emergency coordination committees. These committees will include police, health department, local government institutions, Rescue 1122, civil defence, education and media focal persons. Specific shelters, schools, community halls and mosques are being identified in each tehsil and kept ready.
The orders have said that the provision of ration, medicines, beds, and clean water should be ensured in emergency relief kits, while emphasis has also been placed on the protection of public records and fuel reserves. All government departments across the province have been cancelled and instructed not to leave their stations until further notice.
Ambulances, fire brigades, and water rescue units have been kept fully operational, while rapid response teams will be deployed in high-risk areas. In collaboration with Civil Defence, drill rehearsals, air raid sirens, blackout protocols, and citizen volunteer networks are also being activated immediately.
All hospitals, primary health centres and trauma centres have been instructed to be on standby under emergency response. Availability of medicines, surgical kits, blood units and specialist doctors is being ensured, while teams of psychologists will also be kept ready to deal with mental stress.
In addition, all non-essential gatherings, sports activities and educational events have been suspended. Civil Defence awareness sessions and the distribution of pamphlets are being started in schools.
The Home Department has also issued instructions to tighten security and increase patrols near sensitive locations such as bridges, grid stations, fuel stations and military installations, while deputy commissioners have been ordered to monitor the availability of food items.
Tribal elders hold rallies in solidarity with Pakistan forces following Indian ‘cowardly’ attack on civilians
Tribal elders, local representatives, police and district administration held a rally to express solidarity with Pakistan forces at the historic Bab-e-Kheiber in Jamrud district, strongly condemning Indian aggression.
A solidarity rally was taken out by tribal elders, local representatives, police, Jamrud Bazaar Traders Association, all line departments and the Khyber district administration at the historic Bab-e-Kheiber site, in which India’s recent aggression was strongly condemned and solidarity was expressed with the Pakistani forces.
The rally was attended by tribal elders, youth, political and social leaders, and district officers. The participants held Pakistani flags and banners with slogans like “Long live Pakistan, long live Pakistan forces” and “Indian aggression is unacceptable”.
Speaking on the occasion, the tribal elders said that the tribes of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have always stood by the security of the country and the Pakistani forces, and no compromise will be made on the country’s sovereignty in the future. He said that the Pakistani army is a symbol of the country’s defence and their courage, sacrifices and professional skills are a source of pride for the entire nation.
India has targeted civilian populations, mosques and innocent people in a cowardly attack in the dark of night. We condemn this in the strongest terms. The Pakistani army and air force have responded promptly and shot down enemy aircraft, penetrated India and targeted their bases, for which we pay tribute to the Pakistani army. The tribal people stand by their forces. They will not hesitate to make any sacrifice.
Deputy Commissioner Khyber and other district officers also addressed the gathering and said that India wants to disrupt the peace of the region, but the Pakistani nation and its forces are fully capable of dealing with every challenge and are always ready.
The rally ended with prayers, in which prayers were offered for the country’s security, development and the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs.
The situation remains tense as both countries continue to monitor developments along the Line of Control (LoC).
This is a developing story, and we strive to update it as the situation evolves.
