Following Indian missile strikes on Pakistani territory, Pakistan has vowed a strong response, raising concerns of further escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The strikes, which India claims targeted militant infrastructure, have been labeled an "act of war" by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The Indian strikes, reportedly conducted under "Operation Sindoor," targeted at least nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. India stated the strikes aimed at infrastructure used by militants linked to a recent massacre of tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. However, Pakistan asserts that the strikes deliberately targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure, including mosques, resulting in the deaths of dozens, including women and children. Casualties reported by Pakistani officials indicated at least 26 deaths.
Pakistan's military claims to have responded to the Indian strikes by downing several Indian fighter jets. While Pakistan claims five jets were shot down, India has not confirmed these losses. There are reports that aircraft fell onto villages in Indian-administered Kashmir and Punjab.
Prime Minister Sharif has condemned the Indian strikes as a "cowardly attack" and affirmed Pakistan's right to respond. He stated that Pakistan's military has been authorized to take "corresponding actions". The National Security Committee (NSC) has declared that Pakistan will respond "in self-defense, at a time, place, and manner of its choosing". Pakistan's Defense Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, stated that Pakistan does not seek escalation but will defend itself if necessary. He offered India two options: halt military operations or face continued response from Pakistan.
The situation has prompted international concern, with the U.S. and other countries urging de-escalation. Air France has suspended overflights of Pakistan due to the heightened tensions. The U.S. State Department said it was monitoring the "evolving situation".
The recent escalation marks a dangerous turn in the already strained relations between India and Pakistan. The two countries have fought two wars over Kashmir, a disputed region claimed by both in its entirety. Tensions have been high since the April 22 attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which India blames on Pakistan-backed militants. Pakistan denies involvement.
