Monitoring Desk:
In a major escalation early Wednesday, India launched missile strikes targeting areas in Bahwalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The attack follows heightened tensions after a recent militant incident in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, in a statement to ARY News at 1:06am, confirmed that Indian missiles struck three locations, including a mosque in Bahwalpur’s Ahmed East area. He emphasized that the attack was launched from within Indian territory and that Indian forces did not breach Pakistani airspace.
“All Pakistan Air Force aircraft are currently airborne and monitoring the situation,” Lt Gen Chaudhry said. “This act of aggression will not go unanswered. Pakistan reserves the right to respond at a time and place of its choosing.”
He described the Indian action as “cowardly” and said the satisfaction it may have temporarily provided “will soon turn into lasting sorrow.”
Residents in Muzaffarabad reported hearing several loud blasts around midnight, followed by a citywide power outage, according to Reuters eyewitnesses. Authorities are still assessing the extent of damage and potential casualties, with ISPR expected to share further updates soon.
The incident marks a dangerous spike in hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
