Punjab declares emergency after Indian attack, closes schools

Condemning Indian aggression, CM Maryam Nawaz said: "India may have started this, but we will finish it."

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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday declared a state of emergency across the province and ordered the closure of all educational institutions following a series of Indian missile strikes that targeted civilian areas, prompting a swift military response from Pakistan.

“All leaves of doctors and medical staff have been cancelled, and civil defence personnel have been recalled to duty,” Maryam announced in an emergency briefing, urging hospitals and rescue services to remain on high alert.

The announcement came after Pakistan’s military confirmed that Indian forces had launched airstrikes on five locations inside Pakistan, including Bahawalpur, Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Muridke.

According to the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the attacks targeted civilian areas and spared military installations. 

In a rapid counteroffensive, Pakistan’s armed forces launched missile strikes that reportedly destroyed an Indian brigade headquarters and a military post in the Dudhnial sector along the Line of Control (LoC). The Pakistan Air Force also downed three Indian aircrafts, security sources confrmed.

Condemning the Indian aggression, CM Maryam declared, “The people stand shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan Army. India may have started this, but we will finish it,” voicing firm support for the military’s response.

While reaffirming Pakistan’s desire for peace, she warned that the country would not accept any compromise on its sovereignty. “We seek peace, but with dignity. If war is imposed, the entire nation will unite as one force,” she added.

In response to the escalating crisis, the CM instructed the public to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. She urged citizens to rely only on official sources of information and to report any injuries or emergencies to nearby hospitals or rescue services.

Authorities, including Rescue 1122, district administrations, and civil defence departments, have been placed on high alert as the province braces for potential further escalation.