Islamabad: The Pakistan Army said that India launched air strikes against the country early Wednesday, vowing to respond to the attack.
Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that missiles fired by India targeted Kotli and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Bahawalpur in Punjab province.
Some time ago, India launched air strikes on the Subhanullah mosque in Bahwalpur’s Ahmed East area, Kotli and Muzaffarabad at three places from the air, he told ARY News channel.
“Pakistan has every right to give a befitting reply to this act of war imposed by India, and a strong response is indeed being given,” he said in a statement.
“We will never let the enemy succeed in its nefarious objectives.”
Sharif has convened a meeting of Pakistan’s National Security Council at 10 am. Meanwhile, Pakistan has closed its airspace to all air traffic for 48 hours.
Pakistan Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said India used missile strikes from within its own airspace, hitting targets in Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Bagh in PoK, and Bahawalpur and Muridke in Punjab province.
“This cowardly and shameful attack was carried out from within India’s airspace. They were never allowed to come and intrude into the space of Pakistan,” he said.
“Let me say it unequivocally: Pakistan will respond to this at a time and place of its own choosing. This heinous provocation will not go unanswered.”
“This ‘temporary happiness’ that India has achieved with this attack will be replaced with enduring grief,” he added.
Officials in Pakistan said the strikes hit five areas, including the Subhanullah mosque in Bahawalpur’s Ahmed East, and sites in Kotli and Muzaffarabad. The army spokesperson claimed three people were killed and 12 injured.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar described the strikes as a “flagrant violation” of Pakistan’s sovereignty, the UN Charter, and international law.
“It has jeopardised regional peace,” Dar said in a post on X.
The Foreign Office also issued a statement, calling the Indian strikes an “unprovoked and blatant act of war” and said the Indian Air Force remained within its own airspace while launching the attacks.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Geo News:
“We will respond with full force. We will pay off this debt in the manner such debt is paid.”
“Pakistan’s response will be both kinetic and diplomatic, and it will not take long to retaliate.”
“All places are open for the international media to verify if they targeted terrorists’ camps or civilians,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier told the defence leadership that the armed forces had “complete operational freedom” to determine the mode, timing, and targets for India’s response to the terror attack.
