PM Shehbaz condemns Indian strikes, affirms Pakistan’s right to respond

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned what he called a “cowardly assault” by India, stating that the enemy targeted five locations across Pakistan in a provocative act of aggression.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the prime minister asserted Pakistan’s right to respond decisively to what he described as a war imposed by India.

“India has carried out cowardly attacks on five different locations within Pakistan,” PM Shehbaz said. “Pakistan has every right to respond fully to this act of war—and that response is already underway,” he added.

He further expressed full confidence in the capabilities and resolve of the country’s armed forces, saying the entire nation stands firmly with its military.

“The morale and spirit of the Pakistani people remain high, and the whole nation stands united behind our armed forces,” he said. “The people of Pakistan and the Pakistan Army know exactly how to deal with the enemy.”

PM Shehbaz concluded his remarks by pledging that Pakistan will never allow the enemy to succeed in its malicious designs. “The enemy will never be allowed to achieve its nefarious objectives,” he vowed.

Meanwhile, an important meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) at 10:00 am today (Wednesday) to assess Pakistan’s current security situation in light of recent Indian aggression. The meeting will focus on reviewing the national security landscape and discussing urgent and necessary steps to respond to the evolving threat, according to government sources.

Confirming the development, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar stated that key decisions regarding Pakistan’s defensive strategy and overall national security will be made during the session.

Sources further revealed that the NSC meeting will be attended by senior military officials, members of the civilian leadership, and representatives from relevant institutions. The agenda includes a comprehensive review of the preparedness of Pakistan’s armed forces, defense policies, and potential enemy actions.

The minister also confirmed that following the meeting, PM Shehbaz will address the nation to brief citizens on key decisions and reassure the public regarding the country's security posture.

The development follows confirmation by Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, that Indian forces conducted airstrikes on five locations within Pakistan, specifically targeting Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Muridke.

Preliminary damage assessments indicate that the airstrikes targeted only civilian areas, with no military installations hit. “So far, all confirmed damage points to civilian infrastructure. Innocent and unarmed Pakistanis were the sole targets,” security sources reported.

In what was described as a “befitting response,” Pakistani armed forces reportedly destroyed an Indian brigade headquarters in a retaliatory strike. Security sources stated that Pakistani forces are delivering a strong and coordinated response at multiple locations, effectively countering enemy aggression.

Additionally, a Pakistani missile strike destroyed an Indian post in the Dudhnial sector along the Line of Control (LoC), sources said. “Pakistan’s forces are giving a fitting reply to India’s blatant aggression,” they added.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) also successfully shot down two enemy aircraft in response to the cross-border strikes. Security sources emphasised that Pakistan’s armed forces are delivering a robust and coordinated counteroffensive to India's airstrikes.