In the wake of India’s “Operation Sindoor,” which targeted alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, the Pakistan Army has issued its first comprehensive response.
Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, spokesperson for the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), condemned the Indian airstrikes as a “cowardly and unjustified act,” asserting that the attacks resulted in civilian casualties—a claim India has denied.
Civilian Casualties and Damage Reported
According to Pakistani officials, the Indian strikes led to the deaths of at least eight civilians, including women and children, and injured over 30 others. Notably, mosques in Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad were reportedly damaged.
In Ahmadpur East, five civilians, including a young girl, were killed. In Muzaffarabad, the Bilal Mosque sustained damage, injuring a child.
Pakistan’s Military Response
In retaliation, Pakistan claims to have shot down five Indian fighter jets. Although India has confirmed only the crash of one aircraft. Additionally, Pakistan conducted counter-strikes, reportedly destroying an Indian brigade headquarters. An emergency has been declared in Pakistan’s Punjab province, with hospitals and security forces on high alert.
Official Statements and International Reactions
Major General Chaudhry emphasized that the Indian strikes were conducted from within Indian airspace, stating,
“They were never allowed to come and intrude into the space of Pakistan.” He further warned that Pakistan would respond “at a time and place of its own choosing.”
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif labeled the Indian operation as an “act of war” and convened the National Security Committee to deliberate on the situation.
International leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres and U.S. officials, have expressed concern over the escalating tensions. Moreover, they have urged both nations to exercise restraint.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed concern over the escalating tensions, stating:
“It’s a shame we just heard about it… I just hope it ends very quickly.”
Pakistani Celebrities Condemn India’s Airstrikes
Leading figures in Pakistan’s entertainment industry have taken to social media to denounce the Indian military operation.
The internationally acclaimed actress reshared a tweet by author Fatima Bhutto criticizing the airstrikes.
On her Instagram story, Mahira added, “Seriously cowardly!!! May Allah protect our country, may better sense prevail. Ameen.”
Hania Aamir, known for her influential presence among Pakistan’s youth, posted a succinct message on her Instagram story, describing the strikes as “Cowardly.”
Actress Mawra Hocane also called out India’s action with strong words:
“We are not fighting a war enemy at the moment! We are fighting a petty neighbor with a small ego and a centric mindset that wants to prove a fake propaganda point of view for a mere political campaign coming up! Disgusting & Screw you because Pakistan Zindabad & Pak Army Zindabad.”
Actress Mawra Hocane added in an Instagram upload:
“Strongly condemn India’s cowardly attack on Pakistan. Innocent civilians lost their lives. May Allah protect our country. May sense prevail, Ya Allah ho Ya Hafizo. #PakistanZindabad.”
Bilal Abbas also bashed India for the same reason.
Reports indicate that several Pakistani artists’ Instagram accounts, including those of Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, and singer Ali Zafar, have been geo-blocked in India. This follows the Pahalgam attack.
