Following Indian missile attacks on Pakistan, at least 19 deaths have been reported so far, with over 33 others injured in the attacks.
According to the Associated Press, a doctor at a hospital in the Bahawalpur region of Pakistan said that 13 bodies were transferred from the scene to the hospital.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir stated in a press briefing today that 26 civilians were killed in last night’s Indian attacks. However, earlier, Indian senior military officer Sofia Qureshi, who led the operation, claimed that no civilians were harmed.
Sharif Chaudhry, spokesperson of the Pakistan Army, stated that civilians were indeed targeted.
He added: “Tonight, India cowardly issued a baseless statement against Pakistan and targeted innocent civilians. The Pakistan Armed Forces, with the full support of the people, are delivering a decisive and comprehensive response to this enemy act and a deserving reply will be given.”
In the early hours following the attacks, Pakistan responded with artillery fire towards India. The Pakistani military claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets during India’s airstrikes on Pakistani territory.
The army spokesperson further said: “The ground and air forces have given the necessary responses to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan. So far, I can confirm the downing of five Indian aircraft, including three Rafales, one Su-30, one MiG-29, and one unmanned aerial vehicle.”
Meanwhile, India’s attack on Pakistan, which also destroyed a mosque and religious school, has caused fear among residents of Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Ahmad Abbasi, a resident of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, said: “Suddenly the shelling began. I think 10 to 15 missiles hit here. We had a large mosque here where elders, children, and students came for prayer and education. Now it is destroyed.”
The Indian Army has announced that areas under its control in Kashmir were targeted. News sources quoting the Indian Army have confirmed that dozens of Indians were killed or injured in Pakistan’s counterattacks.
Some Indian citizens said they support the airstrikes by their military on targets inside Pakistan.
Rishi, an Indian citizen, said: “This was a great move, and we were waiting for India to give a proper response to Pakistan. India has responded admirably, and we are happy about this event because it was backed by evidence. People are happy in this regard.”
Following this morning’s (Wednesday) attacks on various locations in Pakistan by India, a state of emergency has been declared in Punjab province. The Punjab local government announced that all educational institutions in the province would be closed for a day, and security forces are on high alert.
This comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following last month’s deadly attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir under Indian administration, which left 26 people dead. India blamed Pakistan-based armed groups for the attack, but Pakistan has denied any involvement.
