Indian strikes kill 26 civilians, injure 46: DG ISPR.

Key Points:

1. Civilian Casualties & Damage:

   • Indian airstrikes hit six locations in Pakistan, killing 26 civilians (including women and children) and injuring 46 others.

   • Ahmedpur East (Bahawalpur): 13 dead (2 toddlers, 7 women, 4 men), 37 injured.

   • Bilal Mosque (near Muzaffarabad): 3 killed, 2 children injured.

   • Abbas Mosque (Kotli): 2 teenagers (16 & 18 years old) killed, a woman and her daughter injured.

   • LoC Firing: 5 civilians, including a 5-year-old, killed by Indian forces.

2. Deliberate Targeting of Mosques & Civilians:

   • DG ISPR accused India of intentionally striking mosques, reflecting the “extremist Hindutva mindset” of Modi’s government.

   • Condemned the systematic oppression of minorities, especially Muslims.

3. Pakistan’s Military Response:

   • Pakistan downed 5 Indian fighter jets (3 Rafales, 1 MiG-29, 1 SU-series) and 1 Israeli-made Heron drone.

   • Strikes occurred in Bhatinda, Jammu, Akhnoor, Srinagar, and Avantipur.

   • Response was “measured and defensive”—Pakistan did not violate Indian airspace.

   • Despite capability to shoot down more aircraft, Pakistan exercised restraint.

4. Targeting of Critical Infrastructure:

   • India attacked Nauseri Dam, part of the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower project, termed a “dangerous escalation”.

   • Such actions violate international humanitarian law and war conventions.

5. Threat to Civil Aviation:

   • 57 international flights were in Pakistani airspace during the strikes, risking civilian aircraft.

   • Pakistan accused India of recklessness in endangering global aviation.

6. Pakistan’s Sovereignty & Future Stance:

   • No Pakistani aircraft entered Indian airspace, and no Indian jets breached Pakistani territory.

   • Pakistan reserves the right to respond to aggression at a time and manner of its choosing.

   • Armed forces remain fully committed to defending national sovereignty.

The DG ISPR’s briefing underscores India’s aggressive actions, including targeting civilians, mosques, and critical infrastructure, which Pakistan views as a violation of international norms. Pakistan’s military response, while defensive and restrained, demonstrated its capability to counter aggression. The strikes not only endangered civilian lives but also threatened regional stability. Pakistan has warned of serious consequences and reaffirmed its right to retaliate against any future provocations, while remaining committed to protecting its sovereignty and civilian safety.