India Launches Missile Strikes on Pakistan; Civilian Casualties Reported, Airspace Closed

RAWALPINDI: Tensions between Pakistan and India have escalated sharply after India launched missile strikes on three cities within Pakistani territory, targeting civilian areas and resulting in casualties, including the death of a child.

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, confirmed the attacks, stating that missiles were fired at Kotli and Muzaffarabad in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and at Bahawalpur in Punjab. One of the missiles reportedly struck the Subhan Allah Mosque in Ahmadpur East, Bahawalpur, injuring worshippers and killing a young child. A woman and a man were also seriously injured.

Describing the incident as a “cowardly and shameful attack,” the DG ISPR emphasized that Pakistan will issue a full response once the damage assessment is complete and the timing is determined. He added that the attack deliberately targeted innocent civilians under the cover of darkness.

Following the attack, Pakistan immediately closed its airspace, and all domestic and international flights were canceled for a 48-hour period. A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) has been issued accordingly.

Indian media reports, citing the Ministry of Defence, confirmed the strikes and claimed they targeted nine locations within Pakistan.

Security sources in Pakistan indicated that retaliatory measures have already begun and that the country’s armed forces are on high alert.

Read more: India Launches Missile Attacks on Pakistan’s Territory: DG ISPR”

The attack comes in the wake of rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. On April 22, a deadly assault in Indian-occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam region resulted in the deaths of 26 Indian tourists, which India quickly blamed on Pakistan without presenting evidence. Just a day ago, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warned that a confrontation with India was becoming inevitable and could occur at any time.

The situation remains volatile, with international observers closely monitoring developments in the region.