Indian missile strikes hit Muzaffarabad, Kotli and Bahawalpur

Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has confirmed that Indian forces conducted airstrikes on three locations inside Pakistan, targeting Bahawalpur’s Ahmed East area, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad.

“Some time ago from now, the cowardly enemy India launched air strikes on Subhanullah mosque in Bahwalpur’s Ahmed East area, Kotli and Muzaffarabad at three places from the air,” Chaudhry said during a late-night press briefing.

He added that the Pakistan Air Force had scrambled jets in response to the attack. “All of our air force jets are airborne. This cowardly and shameful attack was carried out from within India’s airspace. They were never allowed to come and intrude into the space of Pakistan.”

Issuing a stern warning, the military spokesperson stated: “Let me say it unequivocally: Pakistan will respond to this at a time and place of its own choosing. This heinous provocation will not go unanswered.”

When asked about possible casualties and infrastructure damage, DG Chaudhry noted that assessment efforts were ongoing and promised to share further details once confirmed.

According to security sources, the strike resulted in the martyrdom of one innocent child, while a woman and a man sustained serious injuries. In response, Pakistani forces have reportedly initiated retaliatory action. 

A red alert has been issued at New Islamabad International Airport, security sources added. Sources confirmed that all flight operations at the airport have been suspended, and Pakistani airspace in the region has been closed to commercial aircraft.

Three flights already in the air were rerouted to alternate airports as a precautionary measure. Authorities have not yet announced when regular operations will resume.

Local sources further stated that a complete blackout occurred in Muzaffarabad following the explosions, raising concerns about the extent of damage and the ongoing security situation.

In light of recent developments, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had issued a stark warning, stating that a clash with India is now "inevitable" and could occur "at any moment." His remarks come amid growing fears of direct military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The incident follows weeks of heightened tensions after a deadly attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which New Delhi has blamed on Pakistan—an accusation Islamabad strongly denies.

No official statement has yet been released regarding casualties or infrastructure damage. Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm and await verified information.