Tensions between Pakistan and India escalated dramatically late Tuesday as India launched a series of missile attacks targeting multiple locations within Pakistan, including Kotli and Muzaffarabad in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Ahmedpur East in Bahawalpur. The strikes, confirmed by Director General Inter Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, resulted in civilian casualties and damaged religious infrastructure, including a direct hit on Masjid SubhanAllah. In an emergency press briefing, Lt Gen Chaudhry stated unequivocally that Pakistan would respond “at a time and place of its own choosing,” adding that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had prevented any Indian aircraft from breaching national airspace.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, addressing the rising hostilities, warned that a clash with India “can happen anytime” given the current state of affairs. The missile strikes follow heightened tensions in the region after a deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, for which India has without evidence suggested cross border involvement. Pakistan has firmly denied the allegations and demanded an impartial international investigation.
Khanewal is also reportedly resonating with the flight of warplanes and Islamabad International Airport has been shut down for flights; all flights have been diverted to Karachi. Pakistan’s airspace to be completely closed.
Meanwhile, security sources have confirmed that an emergency meeting involving the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force leadership is underway, and that Pakistan is currently delivering a “befitting response” to what they described as a “cowardly attack.” “The blood of innocent Pakistanis will be avenged at all costs,” a senior military source told reporters. Islamabad International Airport has been shut down, with flights diverted to Karachi, as the country’s airspace is expected to be temporarily closed amid heightened security protocols.
