PM Shehbaz Slams India’s ‘Cowardly’ Attack; NSC Authorises Retaliation

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday condemned India’s recent missile strikes on Pakistan, describing the attack as a “cowardly act carried out under the cover of darkness”.

Speaking in a session of the National Assembly, the prime minister praised Pakistan’s armed forces for delivering a strong and timely response to Indian aggression.

Earlier in the day, the National Security Committee (NSC) convened an emergency meeting chaired by PM Shehbaz to discuss the evolving situation. The committee expressed grave concern over the Indian strikes, labelling them an “act of war”, and gave the green light for the armed forces to take necessary retaliatory measures.

The NSC also offered prayers (Fateha) for the civilians martyred in the attacks and wished a speedy recovery for those injured.

A statement issued after the meeting condemned India’s blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “India’s actions fall squarely under acts of war as defined by international law,” the communique noted.

The NSC further criticised India for targeting civilian areas on false pretences, accusing it of damaging mosques and critical infrastructure. The statement detailed that Indian missile strikes hit Sialkot, Shakargarh, Muridke, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad, falsely claiming to target terrorist camps. “Innocent men, women, and children were martyred in these brutal attacks,” it added.