In an emergency session held at the Prime Minister’s House on Wednesday, the National Security Committee (NSC) granted the Pakistan Army a “free hand” to respond to what it termed “unprovoked and unlawful aggression” by India.
Chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by senior federal ministers and top military leadership, the meeting came in the wake of Indian missile, drone, and air strikes on civilian areas in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. These attacks reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 26 civilians, including women and children.
In its official statement, the NSC reaffirmed Pakistan’s inherent right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter and authorised the armed forces to retaliate in a time, place, and manner of their choosing.
“Pakistan desires peace, but any compromise on sovereignty and national dignity is out of the question,” the committee stated. It condemned India’s strikes as a dangerous escalation and called on the international community to urgently intervene, warning that continued hostilities could destabilize the entire region.
The NSC was also briefed on Pakistan’s immediate military response, which reportedly included the downing of five Indian fighter jets—three of them Rafales—and the destruction of key enemy positions, including a brigade headquarters.
Additionally, military officials informed the committee that India had targeted the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project in a blatant violation of international law protecting civilian infrastructure and water resources.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, speaking after the session, claimed that Indian troops had raised white flags at the Chora Complex near the Line of Control, allegedly signaling retreat after Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes inflicted heavy damage.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to address the nation at 3 p.m. today, during which he is expected to outline the government’s response strategy. A federal cabinet meeting will follow to formally endorse the NSC’s decisions and provide further briefings on the developing situation.
