Pakistan’s military confirmed on Wednesday that the death toll from India’s overnight missile attacks on cities in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has risen to 31, with 57 others injured. The strikes, launched early Wednesday, have been condemned by Islamabad as a “blatant act of war,” heightening tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors following last month’s deadly attack on tourists in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), revealed that six Pakistani sites, including mosques and hydropower projects, were struck, with two dozen weapon impacts reported.
In response, Pakistan’s military carried out retaliatory strikes, shooting down five Indian Air Force (IAF) jets and seven drones, and destroying a brigade headquarters and several checkposts along the Line of Control (LoC).
Speaking at a press conference, Lt Gen Chaudhry said the rising casualties were due to India’s continued unprovoked shelling along the LoC. He accused India of cowardice for targeting civilians and populated areas under the cover of darkness. “Our enemy is so cowardly that, instead of confronting our forces, it attacks innocent civilians,” he said.
Chaudhry criticized India’s justification for the strikes, saying that targeting civilians and infrastructure could not be classified as counter-terrorism. He showcased videos of injured civilians, including children, questioning India’s claims that it had targeted militants.
He also condemned India’s shelling of the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project, pointing out that international law—specifically Article 54 of the 1977 Additional Protocol 1 of the Geneva Conventions—prohibits attacks on civilian infrastructure essential for survival.
Highlighting Pakistan’s measured response, Lt Gen Chaudhry said the military’s retaliation focused solely on Indian military targets. “In self-defense, we engaged only military assets, unlike the cowardly enemy that attacked innocent civilians,” he stated. He confirmed that Pakistan’s Air Force downed five Indian jets, including three Rafale fighters, describing the aerial combat as extraordinary and praising the air force’s precision.
Chaudhry asserted that India’s repeated ceasefire violations and acts of aggression expose its destabilizing role in the region. “From unprovoked border attacks to supporting terrorism through proxies, India has consistently demonstrated its hostile intent,” he said.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to national defense, Chaudhry declared that safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and citizens is non-negotiable. “We are fully prepared to defend Pakistan against any aggression. Our right to self-defense will be exercised whenever necessary,” he warned.
He praised the unity between the Pakistani people and the military, saying, “Our forces draw strength from the nation’s unwavering support. Together, we stand firm against any threat.”
