In a sharp escalation of regional tensions, India’s military launched missile strikes targeting multiple locations within Pakistan, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, and Muzaffarabad. The attacks, described as “cowardly” by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, were carried out from within Indian airspace without breaching Pakistan’s territorial integrity.

The strikes hit sensitive locations, including the Subhanullah mosque in Bahawalpur’s Ahmed East area, causing multiple loud explosions in Muzaffarabad and triggering a city-wide blackout. Immediate assessments of casualties and damage are underway, with detailed reports expected soon.

Pakistan Vows Decisive Response

DG ISPR condemned India’s actions, assuring a resolute retaliation at a time and place of Pakistan’s choosing. “This heinous provocation will not go unanswered,” Chaudhry warned, adding that India’s temporary triumph would soon turn into long-lasting regret.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif echoed these sentiments, stating clearly that Pakistan is ready and fully equipped to respond to any form of Indian aggression—be it surgical strikes, ground incursions, air attacks, or naval engagements.

Background: Pahalgam Attack and Rising Hostilities

Tensions flared following a militant attack in Pahalgam, occupied Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, primarily tourists. Without evidence, India accused Pakistan of involvement, claims Islamabad has strongly denied, demanding an impartial international investigation instead.

The resulting hostility saw both nations enhancing military readiness along their shared border, heightening fears of a direct conflict.

Prime Minister Visits ISI Headquarters for Security Briefing

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and the three armed services chiefs, visited the headquarters of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) earlier in the day. During the visit, PM Shehbaz was extensively briefed on Pakistan’s military preparedness and response strategies against conventional threats posed by India.

He underscored the nation’s unwavering support for the armed forces and highlighted the ISI’s pivotal role in safeguarding national security. Emphasizing heightened vigilance and inter-agency coordination, the premier asserted Pakistan’s readiness to decisively counter any infringement on its sovereignty.

Pakistan Activates National Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre (NIFTAC)

PM Shehbaz also inaugurated the National Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre (NIFTAC), a state-of-the-art institution designed to enhance Pakistan’s counterterrorism and threat assessment capabilities. NIFTAC integrates over 50 federal and provincial agencies into a unified national security framework, aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and their external sponsorship.

India’s Threat to Halt Water Flows Intensifies Friction

In a provocative development, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently threatened to halt water flows critical to Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty. Modi’s remarks followed India’s decision to suspend parts of the treaty, prompting Pakistan to warn that tampering with the rivers would constitute an act of war. Pakistani officials noted recent unexplained fluctuations in river flows, alleging deliberate manipulation by India.

International Appeals for Calm Amid Escalation

Amid rising hostilities, the United States urged both nations to pursue responsible diplomacy to preserve regional stability. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized Washington’s ongoing engagement with both Islamabad and New Delhi to mitigate tensions.

Pakistan-Afghanistan Diplomatic Dialogue Amid Crisis

Meanwhile, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi expressed support for Pakistan’s recent proactive measures in easing trade and travel between the two nations. In discussions with Pakistani Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, the Afghan minister reaffirmed commitment towards fostering bilateral cooperation, regional peace, and security despite the ongoing crisis with India.

The evolving situation remains tense, with international and regional actors closely monitoring developments as Pakistan prepares its promised response to India’s unprecedented missile strikes.