At least 26 civilians killed in Indian strikes on Pakistan: Islamabad

At least 26 people were killed and 46 others injured in missile and air strikes by India on six civilian settlements in Pakistan.

The announcement was made by Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistani army, during a press briefing on Wednesday morning.

The strikes targeted Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad, Pakistani media reported.

India carried out the strikes amid escalating tensions between the two countries in the wake of a militant attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam last month.

Chaudhry said: “Some time ago from now, India launched air strikes on Subhanullah mosque in Bahwalpur’s Ahmed East area, Kotli and Muzaffarabad at three places from the air.

“All of our air force jets are airborne. This cowardly and shameful attack was carried out from within India’s airspace. They were never allowed to come and intrude into the space of Pakistan.”

He noted: “Let me say it unequivocally: Pakistan will respond to this at a time and place of its own choosing. This heinous provocation will not go unanswered.”

When questioned about potential casualties, he said that damage assessments are ongoing and that he would provide more information at a later stage.