Pakistan authorizes military response after Indian strikes

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday that the country’s top national security body has authorized the armed forces to take "corresponding actions" in retaliation for Indian airstrikes inside Pakistani territory, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.

This marks one of the most severe military escalations in over two decades between the nuclear-armed neighbors. India claimed responsibility for the airstrikes on nine sites in Pakistan, targeting alleged "terrorist infrastructure" linked to the deadly April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. The attack took place in Pahalgam, a popular tourist area in Indian-controlled Kashmir, where 26 people lost their lives.

According to Pakistan’s military, six locations across the country were hit, including sites in Ahmedpur East, Muridke, Sialkot, Shakargarh in Punjab, and Kotli and Muzaffarabad in Azad Kashmir, the Pakistani-controlled part of the disputed Kashmir region.

In response, Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, reported that five Indian planes and one combat drone involved in the strikes were shot down, including three Rafale jets, an MiG-29, and a Su-57.

Prime Minister Sharif’s office issued a statement confirming that Pakistan reserved the right to act in self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and authorized the armed forces to respond "at a time, place, and manner of its choosing."

“The Armed Forces of Pakistan have been duly authorized to undertake corresponding actions in this regard,” the statement read.

The Pakistani government also condemned India’s actions, accusing it of recklessly reigniting conflict in the region. The statement placed full responsibility for the escalating situation on New Delhi.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry summoned India’s Chargé d’Affaires to issue a formal protest, warning that such actions posed a serious threat to regional peace and stability.