- ISPR reports 31 civilian deaths, 57 injuries from six Indian strikes; Lt-Gen Chaudhry accuses India of “terrorism”
- Pakistan claims it downed five Indian jets, including Rafales; India admits three aircraft “crashed”
- Heavy cross-LoC firing continues; Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project also hit
- Trump calls for calm, offers mediation
- Erdogan expresses solidarity with Pakistan
- UN warns the world cannot risk conflict in South Asia
- Contact confirmed between Indian and Pakistani national security advisers
- UN observers visit damaged sites in Azad Jammu & Kashmir; emergency response center set up for relief
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan mourned the deaths of 31 civilians on Wednesday, blaming Indian military attacks across the Line of Control (LoC) and denouncing New Delhi’s actions as “terrorism” and repeated ceasefire violations.
Even as tensions escalated, diplomatic channels remained open. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that the national security advisers (NSAs) of both countries were in contact, while U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged both nations to halt hostilities.
“I want to see it stop. And if I can do anything to help, I will,” Trump said from the White House, adding that he maintains good relationships with both countries.
Pakistan’s Military Strikes Back
The Pakistan military celebrated what it called a major success, claiming it had shot down five Indian fighter jets—three Rafales, one MiG-29, one Su-series aircraft—and a combat drone. Indian officials acknowledged that at least three of their aircraft had “crashed” within Indian territory, though they did not confirm the Pakistani claims of shoot-downs.
According to ISPR, Indian attacks struck six areas: Ahmedpur East, Muridke, Sialkot, and Shakkargarh in Punjab, as well as Muzaffarabad and Kotli in Azad Kashmir. At least 57 people were injured, and a hydropower project was also hit.
Muzaffarabad Deputy Commissioner Mudasser Farooq said the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project suffered damage to its intake gates and hydraulic unit, and an ambulance was also struck. Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reminded that under the Geneva Conventions, essential civilian infrastructure like water supplies must not be targeted.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told TRT World that Pakistan’s newly appointed NSA, ISI chief Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik, had spoken with India’s NSA, Ajit Doval. Meanwhile, Indian media cited Doval as saying India had no intention of further escalation, though other Indian officials issued more aggressive remarks.
The United Nations called for “maximum restraint,” emphasizing the region could not afford a military confrontation. UN spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay confirmed that UN observers in the area were safe.
On the Ground: Damage and Response
Authorities in Azad Jammu & Kashmir set up a Central Emergency Response Centre to coordinate rescue and relief work. Local officials reported ongoing evaluations of property damage, and schools across the region were ordered closed.
In Muzaffarabad’s Shawai area, where a mosque was struck, killing three—including its 80-year-old caretaker—UN observers visited the site and were briefed on the attacks. Residents recounted terrifying moments as missiles struck near their homes.
Solidarity from Turkiye
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to express support and praised Pakistan’s “calm and restrained” approach. Erdogan also backed Islamabad’s call for an investigation into the earlier Pahalgam attack.
As global concerns mount, the situation remains highly volatile, with both nations facing pressure to de-escalate before the conflict spirals further out of control.
