Kathmandu: Pakistan has denied claims by India’s armed forces that its “military stations” in Jammu, Udhampur (Indian-administered Kashmir), and Pathankot (Punjab state) were targeted in drone and missile attacks, as the two nuclear-armed neighbors face their most serious military escalation in recent years. No casualties have been reported on the Indian side so far.
Pakistan’s Information Minister stated that Islamabad has acted only in “defensive response so far” to what it called unprovoked Indian attacks. Pakistan’s military alleged that India launched attack drones into Pakistani territory on Thursday, killing at least two civilians.
The current violence has already claimed at least 48 lives, including 32 in Pakistan, according to official sources. The escalation began after India launched missile strikes on Wednesday, which it said were aimed at “terrorist camps” located in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. In retaliation, Pakistan responded with a series of artillery strikes across the border.
These exchanges follow growing tensions after a deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Kashmir. India has accused Pakistan of being behind the attack, a charge that Islamabad has firmly denied.
The situation has raised international concern over the potential for further escalation between the two long-time adversaries.