Fawad, Mahira condemn India's 'shameful' attack

Celebs stand against war and hate being flamed by the neighbours

Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, confirmed Wednesday that 26 civilians were martyred and 46 injured in overnight Indian airstrikes on civilian areas across Pakistan.

India conducted 24 airstrikes at six locations, including Ahmedpur East in Bahawalpur, where 13 were martyred — among them two toddlers and seven women. Thirty-seven others were injured. Strikes near Muzaffarabad and Kotli targeted mosques, killing five, including two teenagers, and injuring two children.

In response to this unprovoked aggression, Pakistan downed five Indian fighter jets and one combat drone. According to the military spokesperson, the aircraft shot down included three Rafale jets, one MiG-29, one SU-series aircraft, and an Israeli-made Heron combat drone. The jets were downed in multiple locations, including Bhatinda, Jammu, Akhnoor, Srinagar, and Avantipur.

Mourning the victims

As details of the attacks emerged, public figures and celebrities took to social media to condemn the aggression and stand in solidarity with the victims, calling for peace.

In a long post shared on Instagram, Mahira Khan expressed gratitude for living in a country that doesn't dictate her speech. "We speak up when there are injustices in our own land. We condemn violence wherever it happens, even when my country Pakistan is instantly blamed without any evidence," she said.

She decried India's "war and hate rhetoric", adding that she has witnessed it with her own eyes. "Your media fans the flames of division. Your most powerful voices remain silent in the face of genocide and war crimes - silenced not by law but by fear. And in that fear, you claim victory. But to me, that silence is your greatest defeat. You attack cities in the middle of the night and call it a victory? Shame on you."

Mahira further extended her support towards her homeland, writing, "My Pakistan, I love you. May we do the right thing. May we never stoop to that level even after this heinous provocation. May peace prevail. Ameen. Pakistan Zindabad, Pakistan Paindabad."

Fawad Khan also took to Instagram to offer his deepest condolences to those injured and killed in "this shameful attack". Adding a prayer for the deceased and the bereaved, he said, "A respectful request to all: stop stoking the flames with rabble-rousing words. It's not worth the lives of innocent people. May better sense prevail, Insha'Allah. Pakistan Zindabad!"

Joining the chorus, Hania Aamir rued India's aggression with a heavy heart. "A child is gone. Families are shattered. And for what? This is not how you protect anyone. This is cruelty — plain and simple. You don't get to bomb innocent people and call it a strategy. This isn't strength. This is shameful. This is cowardly. And we see you."

Usama Khan weighed in on the matter, expressing disappointment at India's rejection of Pakistan's attempts at a peaceful resolution to recent tensions. "War can never be an option. We've tried every possible way. We requested a neutral inquiry. We condemned the terror attack. We've done every possible thing to stop this. But if you impose war on us, we are not afraid. Pakistan Zindabad. Dear India, please stop this. You need to tell this to Modi."

Muneeb Butt shared a video response to the attacks on Instagram, shunning India's "very cowardly attack" on Pakistan. "Underprivileged people and their innocent children were fast asleep when they were attacked in the middle of the night. Pakistanis are known for one thing and that is returning a debt with interest," he warned.

Muneeb also urged his fellow Pakistanis to put aside internal political disputes and stand together to send a clear message to foreign powers. "Pakistan is the only Muslim country that has nuclear power. You have no idea - you've forced your hand into a lion's mouth. You will receive a storming response for what you've done."

He added, "I'd just like to reiterate: we have no animosity toward the people of India. Our issue is with the leadership, a mindset rooted in anti-Islamic and Hindutva ideologies. That is what we are at war with. As long as we have blood in our veins, we will keep resisting this mindset. And Insha'Allah, we will emerge victorious. Pakistan Zindabad. Pakistan Army Paindabad."

Urwa Hocane, who previously urged peers to take firmer stance in the escalating tensions, once again spoke out via IG Stories. "We are not fighting a war enemy at the moment! We are fighting a petty neighbour with a small, egocentric mindset trying to push fake propaganda for an upcoming political campaign! Disgusting, and screw you."

Urwa's singer-husband Farhan Saeed thanked Muhammad Ali Jinnah's leadership for winning Pakistan independence. He prayed, "Ya Allah, please help us. Pakistan Zindabad."

Mawra Hocane echoed her sister's sentiments, writing, "I strongly condemn India's cowardly attack on Pakistan. Innocent civilians have lost their lives. May Allah protect us all. May sense prevail."

Stressing the devastating aftermath of India's attacks, Hina Altaf said, "I strongly condemn the attack on our Masjid — a sacred place deeply connected to Muslim sentiments. A child lost his life, and 12 others were injured. Civilian areas were targeted. This is a painful reminder of the cost innocent lives continue to bear."

'United, stronger, prouder'

Ishq Murshid actor Bilal Abbas Khan was another celebrity to express his outrage. "What India has done today is nothing short of a disgraceful and cowardly act. Attacking innocent civilians, taking innocent lives — this is a crime against humanity and cannot be justified or ignored."

He added, "My heart aches for every Pakistani family that has lost a loved one today. We will not forget this brutality, and we will not stay silent in the face of such injustice. I pray for the souls we have lost, for the safety of our people, and for the future of Pakistan — a future where such senseless violence has no place. Today, we stand united, stronger, and prouder than ever!"

Meanwhile, Ahmad Ali Butt issued a firm warning to Indian forces, "To every action, there is an equal opposite reaction. You started it and Insha'Allah we will end it."

Ayesha Omar, on the other hand, urged her followers to practice safety measures during this turbulent time. "Attention all my Pakistani fam, stay united, calm, indoors, informed, and positive. Have faith. Sending love to everyone. Salute to our defence forces for responding immediately without any fear. May Allah protect this country and all of us. May we find a peaceful resolution. Ameen. Pakistan Zindabad."