The Pakistan military's spokesperson, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has strongly asserted the country’s right to self-defence, emphasizing that Pakistan has the legal right to retaliate under international law, including the United Nations Charter amid ongoing tensions and escalating cross-border hostilities.

In a detailed news briefing, the ISPR director general addressed the nation, condemning Indian aggression along the Line of Control (LoC) and beyond. “Our desire for peace must not be mistaken for weakness,” he said. “The armed forces are fully prepared and authorized to respond to any further provocation.”

Key highlights from briefing:

Neelum–Jhelum Hydropower Project Targeted:
General Chaudhry confirmed that India targeted civilian infrastructure, including the strategic Neelum–Jhelum Hydropower Project.
No Military Losses on Pakistan's Side:
Despite heavy Indian shelling and air aggression, no Pakistan Army personnel were martyred, and no Pakistan Air Force aircraft was damaged.
Indian Losses Confirmed:
The DG ISPR claimed the Pakistan Air Force shot down three Indian Rafale jets and destroyed seven Indian drones, while capturing two.
Civilian Casualties in Indian Attacks:
In a strong rebuke to India's military conduct, the DG ISPR revealed that India targeted mosques and civilians, killing 31 innocent people and injuring 57, including children. “Which religion allows attacks on places of worship or innocent children?” he questioned, labeling these actions as clear acts of terrorism.
Pakistan’s Targeted Military Response:
“In our response, the Pakistan Army only struck military targets and avoided civilian casualties,” the spokesperson said, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to the rules of war.
Unity Between People and Forces:
He paid tribute to the unwavering support of the Pakistani nation, stating, “The nation is standing with the Pakistan Army like a lead wall. We are proud of our people, and they are proud of us.”
Global Media Witness:
Responding to Indian claims of targeting “terrorist camps,” the DG ISPR invited international media to verify the ground reality, noting that the Pakistan government had taken over 150 journalists to Kotli, Bahawalpur, and Murid to counter India’s propaganda. He added that India deliberately launched attacks when journalists were scheduled to visit Bahawalpur and Murid.
National Security Committee Backs Forces:
He revealed that the National Security Committee (NSC) has granted full operational authority to the armed forces, enabling a decisive response to ongoing Indian hostilities.

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The ISPR DG concluded his briefing by saluting the Pakistani nation on behalf of the armed forces, reiterating that every drop of a martyr’s blood will be accounted for, and that Pakistan will never compromise its sovereignty or the safety of its citizens.

Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the National Assembly that Pakistan’s armed forces successfully repelled a major Indian air attack late last night, shooting down at least five Indian fighter jets and two drones.

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Speaking in a special session of the National Assembly, the PM said, “India attempted to attack Pakistan under the cover of darkness, as it has done in the past, but this time, our armed forces responded with unprecedented strength, turning the dark night into a silver dawn.”

He confirmed that several Pakistani citizens, including women, children, and men, were martyred in the Indian assault. “May Allah elevate the ranks of our martyrs. I request everyone to pray for them,” he added.

A moment of silence and prayers (Fatiha) were held in Parliament to honour the martyrs.