ISLAMABAD: The Indian military launched 24 air and artillery strikes on six separate locations across Pakistan late Tuesday night, targeting civilian infrastructure, places of worship, and residential neighborhoods, according to the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR).
At least eight Pakistani civilians, including women and a young girl, were martyred in the attacks, and 35 others sustained injuries. The hardest-hit areas included Muzaffarabad, Ahmedpur East, Muridke, Shakargarh, Sialkot’s Kotli Lohara area, and Kotli in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Religious Sites Deliberately Struck
Several mosques were among the targets, prompting Pakistan to condemn what it called the “deliberate targeting of sacred sites.” Masjid Bilal in Muzaffarabad was destroyed, injuring a young girl. In Ahmedpur East, Masjid Subhan was struck, while two worshippers were martyred when Abbas Mosque in Kotli came under fire. A mosque in Muridke was also hit.
“These attacks reflect the enemy’s complete disregard for civilian lives and religious sanctity,” stated the ISPR spokesperson.
Ahmedpur East Hit Hard
Ahmedpur East saw the heaviest losses, with five civilians—including women and a young girl—martyred as Indian shells struck residential zones. Emergency services rushed to the scene, and relief efforts are ongoing.
Other Impacted Areas
Shakargarh was also targeted, though no casualties were reported. In Kotli Lohara near Sialkot, two strikes occurred, but damage was minimal. Additionally, two unexploded shells were recovered from separate locations, averting further destruction.
Pakistan Vows Retaliation
The DG ISPR confirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces are responding to the attacks with full force.
“India’s unprovoked aggression is being met with a swift and decisive response. The enemy will be given a befitting reply,” the spokesperson affirmed.
