May 7, Islamabad: In the wake of India’s savage recent airstrikes under “Operation Sindoor,” Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued his first public statement, condemning the actions as an “act of war” and pledging a decisive response. The Indian strikes targeted nine prime locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, aiming at alleged terrorist infrastructure linked to the April 22 Pahalgam attack. The attack resulted in the deaths of 26 Indian and one Nepali tourist.
Pakistan reported that the Indian strikes resulted in at least eight civilian deaths. Pakistan reports that the Indian strikes resulted in at least eight civilian deaths, including children, and injured dozens more. In retaliation, Pakistan claims to have shot down five Indian fighter jets, though India has confirmed only the crash of one aircraft. The situation has escalated tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), with artillery exchanges causing further casualties and prompting evacuations in border villages.
Prime Minister Sharif, addressing the nation, stated, “Pakistan will respond most decisively to any Indian aggression.” He emphasized the nation’s unity and readiness to defend its sovereignty, asserting that the strikes targeted civilian areas, including mosques, which he described as a blatant violation of international norms.
The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for immediate military restraint, highlighting the potential risks of a confrontation between two nuclear-armed neighbors. The United States, China, and the United Kingdom have also urged both countries to exercise caution and engage in dialogue to prevent further escalation.
India maintains that the operation was a necessary and measured response to cross-border terrorism, targeting only militant infrastructure while avoiding Pakistani military sites to minimize escalation. However, Pakistan disputes this claim, asserting that the strikes resulted in significant civilian casualties and damage to non-military structures.
As tensions rise, both nations have summoned emergency national security meetings. Airspace closures have disrupted regional and international flights. The border remains on high alert with a mock drill being conducted in Maharashtra today.
In the latest updates, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khwaja Asif said on Wednesday that they are ready to refrain from further action if India halts its operations on the border. He said, “This has been initiated by India. If India is ready to back down, they have taken the initiative, we have just responded. We have been saying this that we will never initiate anything hostile towards India. But if we are attacked, we will respond. If India backs down, we will definitely wrap up these things. But as long as we are under fire, we have to respond.” Keep Reading Questiqa.in for more news.
