Islamabad, May 7, 2025 — Pakistan’s military has initiated a swift and decisive response following unprovoked Indian airstrikes on civilian areas in Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad, according to Major General Faisal Nawaz, spokesperson for the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
In the early hours of Wednesday, Indian forces launched coordinated airstrikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Pakistan’s Ahmadpur East in Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad. Security officials confirmed that the attacks struck non-military sites, resulting in significant civilian casualties and damage.
“Pakistan’s armed forces, including the Air Force, are executing a resolute counteroffensive against India’s brazen aggression,” a senior military source stated. “This act of cowardice targeting innocent civilians will not go unpunished.”
Preliminary reports indicate that the Indian airstrikes exclusively hit civilian zones, with no military targets affected. “The strikes deliberately targeted unarmed citizens, with confirmed damage to homes and public infrastructure,” the source added. Visual evidence from the sites corroborates these claims, showing widespread destruction in residential areas.
The attacks, conducted under the cover of darkness, also struck additional locations in Bagh and Muridke, officials reported. “The blood of our martyrs fuels our resolve. Pakistan’s retaliation is already in motion,” the source vowed.
Tragically, the strikes claimed the life of a young girl and left two others—a woman and a child—critically injured. Pakistani forces have mobilized to deliver a proportional response, with operations underway to address the aggression.
Airspace Shutdown and Airport Alert
A high alert has been declared at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, with all flight operations suspended and regional airspace closed to commercial traffic. Four flights en route were diverted to alternate airports, and authorities have yet to provide a timeline for resuming normal operations.
Official Statements
Maj Gen Nawaz addressed the nation in a midnight briefing, condemning the attacks. “India’s cowardly assault on Subhanullah Mosque in Ahmadpur East, alongside strikes in Kotli and Muzaffarabad, was launched from Indian airspace, violating Pakistan’s sovereignty,” he said. “Our Air Force has deployed jets to counter this aggression, and we assure the nation that this provocation will be met with a response of our choosing.”
Nawaz emphasized that damage assessments are ongoing, with further details to be released soon. Local reports from Muzaffarabad described a city-wide power outage following the strikes, heightening fears about the scale of destruction.
Escalating Tensions
The airstrikes come amid escalating tensions following a recent attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which India has attributed to Pakistan—a claim Islamabad categorically rejects. Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, warned earlier this week that a military confrontation with India is “imminent,” raising concerns about a broader conflict between the two nuclear powers.
“Pakistan will not tolerate such acts of aggression,” a government official stated. “The international community must take note of India’s reckless actions targeting civilians.”
As the situation unfolds, Pakistan remains on high alert, with its military poised to defend the nation and respond to any further provocations.
