Pakistan hands over demarche to Indian diplomat over unprovoked strikes

ISLAMABAD – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Indian Chargé d’Affaires on Wednesday to protest strongly against unprovoked Indian airstrikes across different parts of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the Foreign Office, the Indian attacks caused the deaths of 26 Pakistani civilians and injured 46 others. Many of the victims were women and children. The strikes hit six different areas and damaged civilian buildings, including mosques.

Pakistan called the strikes a serious violation of its sovereignty. The Foreign Office said that India’s actions broke international law, the UN Charter, and all accepted rules between countries. Pakistan firmly rejected India’s claims and justifications for the attacks.

The military’s spokesperson, DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, gave more details during a press conference. He said the attacks happened in cities across Punjab and Azad Kashmir. The worst-hit area was Ahmedpur Sharqia, where 13 people were killed.

He said India also hit Masjid Bilal near Muzaffarabad, where three civilians died. In Muridke, another mosque was attacked, killing three people and injuring one more. In Kotli, two young men were martyred. No deaths were reported in Sialkot and Shakargarh.

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif said Pakistani forces responded quickly and strongly. They shot down five Indian fighter jets and one drone. All the Indian aircraft were brought down inside Indian territory. No Pakistani jets were damaged in the incident.

He also said India tried to damage the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project. Although the site suffered some harm, Pakistani forces are ready to defend against any future attacks, including water-related threats.

The DG ISPR added, “India’s misunderstanding will be corrected soon.” He said that defending Pakistan’s sovereignty is both a duty and an honor. He warned that Pakistan will continue to respond to Indian aggression with full force.