Casualties from Indian missile strikes escalate to 31, according to DG ISPR's announcement
In a chilling turn of events, India fired missiles at six locations across Pakistan during the early hours of Wednesday, leaving at least 31 civilians dead and 57 injured, as reported by Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR).
The DG ISPR stated that these unprovoked attacks were a direct violation of international laws, particularly the Geneva Conventions, as they targeted innocent civilians, including children, and critical infrastructure like dams. This is a clear breach of international humanitarian law, he added.
Pakistan, in response, reserves the right to retaliate at a time and manner of their choosing, fresh from the authorization given by the National Security Committee. The statements emphasize that the enemy "will have to suffer consequences."
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed this sentiment, declaring that Pakistan is determined to avenge every drop of blood shed due to the Indian missile strikes. He also mentioned that Pakistan had offered a transparent and independent inquiry into the Pahalgam attack, but regrettably, India did not reciprocate. Instead, they responded with missile attacks.
Meanwhile, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party and a former Foreign Minister, warned India of a response to the recent attacks. He declared that Pakistan's answer is yet to come, emphasizing that they are not in favor of war but have the right to respond after being attacked.
The situation remains tightly monitored by international observers, with the U.S. State Department also keeping a close eye on events. The global community, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, has expressed concern over the escalation, hoping for a speedy resolution.
[1] - (Source: Enrichment Data) The current situation follows Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7, 2025, targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. However, according to the Pakistani army, India struck only five locations, resulting in three deaths and 12 injuries. The international community, including the U.S., is closely monitoring the situation, though a detailed assessment has yet to be made. The escalation comes against the backdrop of a militant attack in Kashmir, which killed 26 people in April, for which India has blamed Pakistan.
- The escalating war-and-conflicts between India and Pakistan, following Operation Sindoor, has led to political tension, as policies and legislation surrounding the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir are under scrutiny.
- The recent fire exchange between the two nuclear-armed nations has generated significant general-news coverage, with international observers, including the U.S., closely monitoring the situation and expressing concerns about the potential consequences of crime-and-justice, such as the violation of international laws and humanitarian principles.
- Amidst the escalation and possibility of retaliation from both sides, leaders in Pakistan are emphasizing a focus on politics and diplomacy, with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warning India of a response while also stressing the desire to avoid war, if possible.
