Pakistan Vows Military Retaliation After India's Airstrikes Kill Dozens

LIVE – Last updated at 6:45 PM

Pakistan 's prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has called pre-dawn strikes by India on Pakistani soil an "act of war" and said he had authorised the military to take "corresponding actions" in reply.

India said its Attacks targeted nine suspected militant hideouts. , and characterized the assault as their reprisal for the massacre of scores of tourists on April 22 in Pahalgam. Kashmir .

Khawaja Muhammad Asif, the Pakistani defence minister, told Bloomberg that at least five Indian planes were downed. The Independent spoke to witnesses at the site of one crashed jet, who described a huge explosion lighting up the night sky, but New Delhi has not confirmed how many planes it lost.

A Pakistan military spokesperson said at least 26 civilians were killed in India's airstrikes, and a mosque was destroyed. Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based militant group, said its leader lost 10 family members to the attack. Pakistan says another five people were killed in artillery fire near the Line of Control separating the countries in Kashmir.

Intense bombardment occurred overnight and into the morning along the de facto boundary in Kashmir. The Indian army reported that 15 Indian civilians were killed due to "unrestricted" shelling.

Key Points

• Pakistani PM vows retaliation against 'act of war' by India
• Thirty-one dead in Pakistan and 15 in India, according to officials.
• Recap: India strikes back at Pakistan following the Kashmir terrorist incident
• Pakistan says it brought down five Indian aircraft.
• Kashmiris fear being caught in middle of India-Pakistan conflict

Pakistan’s overall death toll has risen to 31 and 46 have been injured

18:45 , Rebecca Whittaker

Pakistan’s overall death toll has risen to 31 following the Indian strikes on Pakistan, according to a Pakistan Army spokesperson.

It added that 46 people have also been injured, following artillery strikes along the Line of Control separating the countries in Kashmir.

In the meantime, India reports that 15 people have died and 43 others have been wounded due to Pakistan's counter-fire in the Indian-administered part of Kashmir, particularly affecting civilian zones in Poonch and Tangdar.

Pictures from the ground

18:15 , Rebecca Whittaker

Images show a damaged portion of Bilal Mosque after it was hit by an Indian strike in Muzaffarabad.

Pakistan's Prime Minister stated that India exhibited 'aggression' and 'committed an error'.

18:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif stated at a press briefing that India had exhibited “aggression” and “erred” after strikes took place in Pakistan-administered portions of Kashmir.

"This is a country inhabited by brave individuals with lofty ambitions. They hold their nation in high regard and safeguard it," he stated.

They will battle till the very last ounce of their blood.

He mentioned that 26 innocent individuals lost their lives yesterday.

"The assault from India has absolutely no foundation. We are a nation committed to peace, and Pakistan strongly denounces this," he states.

He states that India has chosen "the path of aggression."

'There’s just one thing preventing nuclear war'

18:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

For India and Pakistan, war is never more than a heartbeat away. Ever since partition in 1947, there has never been a let-up.

Fratricidal loathing, the fatal pull of the vendetta, the conviction of millions of Pakistanis that the whole of the Muslim-majority Himalayan territory of Kashmir is, by rights, theirs… such are the factors that keep vicious wars breaking out over and over again.

India and Pakistan are once again teetering on the edge of full-blown conflict amid their most serious escalation in decades. What was an uneasy standoff erupted this week into open conflict after India initiated Operation Sindoor: pre-dawn strikes against nine sites of “terrorist infrastructure” on its neighbour’s side and within Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Read more by Peter Popham here:

Right now, there’s just one thing preventing nuclear war between India and Pakistan

Foreign Office updates advice to people travelling to India

17:45 , Rebecca Whittaker

People from Britain have been urged not to undertake any trips within a 10-kilometer radius of the India-Pakistan borderline.

The UK’s Foreign Office has issued advice cautioning travellers against visiting the area of Jammu and Kashmir, which encompasses locations such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar, and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.

This does not include travel by air to and from Jammu city, travel inside Jammu city itself, or movement within the Ladakh Union Territory.

The aviation advisory group OPSGROUP stated: "Should the conflict persist, there is a possibility that Pakistan might enforce a complete airspace shutdown, just like they did from February to August 2019 during comparable conditions."

Flights re-routed and cancelled

17:35 , Rebecca Whittaker

Around twelve Indian airports were closed on Wednesday following strikes carried out by India on nine locations in Pakistan.

Airlines such as United Airlines and Korean Air have redirected or canceled their flights.

Aircraft movement data from flight-tracking platforms indicated a substantial queue of planes traversing the skies above Oman, the UAE, and Kuwait following the assault, suggesting potential issues with air traffic management.

In the last few days, India and Pakistan had shut their airspaces to each other's airlines. Global airlines like Lufthansa have also been avoiding Pakistan's airspace.

India conducts nationwide security drills

17:22 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Earlier today, the Indian government began conducting a nationwide civil defence drill to test preparations for an attack on its territory amid the military escalation with its neighbour, Pakistan.

The drill was expected to be the largest civil defence drill in India since 1971, the year India and Pakistan went to war which led to the formation of Bangladesh.

The home ministry ordered several states and federal territories to conduct mock drills to test air raid warning sirens, evacuation plans, implement crash blackout measures, and training people to respond in case of any attacks.

Pictures from the ground

17:08 , Angus Thompson

These images show the damage caused by Indian missile strikes near Bahawalpur, in the Punjab province of Pakistan, as Islamabad vows to retaliate.

Keir Starmer calls for calm amid rising tensions

16:40 , Angus Thompson

Keir Starmer has called for India and Pakistan to take steps to ease the "rising tensions" following exchanges of fire in Kashmir.

The Prime Minister stated that the UK was promoting "conversation, easing tensions, and safeguarding citizens".

Pakistan has characterized Delhi's missile strikes as an "act of war" and retaliated with artillery fire across the Line of Control into India.

At Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir said: "Rising tensions between India and Pakistan will be of serious concern for many across Britain.

We are actively collaborating with both nations along with various international allies, promoting conversation, reducing tensions, and safeguarding civilian lives.

On the ground in Kashmir: The Independent reports live from wreckage site

16:23 , Alex Croft

In pictures: Pakistanis mourn dead after India strikes

16:10 , Alex Croft

India-Pakistan situation 'concerning' - EU foreign policy chief

15:57 , Alex Croft

The India-Pakistan situation is very concerning, EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Wednesday.

Prior to a gathering with European foreign ministers in Warsaw, Ms. Kallas stated that the EU was attempting to mediate and reduce tensions.

On Wednesday, India launched missile attacks against Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir. In response, Pakistan claimed to have brought down five Indian aircraft and declared its intention to strike back, marking the most intense conflict between these nuclear-capable nations in over twenty years.

Reaction follows minister’s statement that UK might supply arms to India amid potential conflict with Pakistan

15:52 , Alex Croft

The government is encountering criticism following comments made by the business secretary, who proposed that the UK should not shy away from exporting weapons to India amidst rising tensions with Pakistan.

India has carried out missile attacks, stating they are in retaliation for a terrorist assault in Kashmir that resulted in 26 fatalities earlier this month.

But Pakistan's prime minister Shehbaz Sharif called the pre-dawn airstrikes an "act of war" and responded with shelling.

Just hours after the strikes, UK business secretary Johnathan Reynolds did not rule out supplying India with weapons.

Whitehall editor Kate Devlin and political correspondent Millie Cooke report:

Reaction follows minister’s statement that UK might export weapons to India amid potential conflict with Pakistan

The Indian embassy has dismissed the claim that Pakistan shot down fighter jets as 'misinformation'.

15:45 , Alex Croft

The Indian Embassy in China has refuted a claim stating that Pakistani forces had brought down Indian combat aircraft, labeling it as "misinformation."

Pakistan says it has shot down at least five Indian jets, including three fighter jets, in retaliation for India’s overnight strikes.

A social media update on X posted by China’s state-run Global Times alleged that Pakistani forces had brought down Indian aircraft. However, this claim was later refuted by the Indian embassy, who stated that the post was false.

The Indian Army has made new history, according to the Defence Minister.

15:29 , Alex Croft

Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh, in a statement just now, said the Indian armed forces "displayed their valour and bravery, and scripted a new history".

He said: "Indian armed forces took action with precision, alertness and sensitiveness. The targets we decided were accurately demolished at the right time with precision.

"Our armed forces also showed sensitivity in ensuring that the civilian population is not affected at all. In a way, we can say that Indian jawans (soldiers) showed precision, alertness and humanity. On behalf of the entire country, I congratulate the jawans and officers."

France calls on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint

15:16 , Alex Croft

French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot has called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint after New Delhi launched airstrikes on Pakistan to avenge a bloody terror attack.

“We understand India’s desire to protect itself against the scourge of terrorism, but we obviously call on both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint to avoid escalation and, of course, to protect civilians,” Mr Barrot told local media.

Pakistan summons Indian diplomat

15:03 , Alex Croft

Pakistan’s foreign ministry said it has summoned the Indian embassy’s charge d’affaires to protest against New Delhi airstrikes, which they say killed at least 26 civilians.

“The foreign ministry stated that India’s overt act of aggression clearly violates Pakistan’s sovereignty,” it said.

Pakistan authorities stated that a missile attack on the Bahawalpur mosque resulted in 13 fatalities, which included women and children.

View: Indian Foreign Secretary details attacks on Pakistan

14:49 , Alex Croft

India requests the head of its paramilitary forces to recall troops on leave.

14:34 , Alex Croft

India's Federal Home Minister, Amit Shah, has instructed the leaders of all paramilitary units to recall their members who are currently on leave due to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, as reported. Indian Express reported.

Mr Shah also examined the domestic security circumstances within the nation and instructed security personnel to remain vigilant.

Pictures show Pakistani protesters rallying against India.

14:20 , Alex Croft

India accuses Pakistan of being responsible for the Kashmir terror attack that resulted in 26 deaths. Here is their evidence.

14:10 , Alex Croft

India fired missiles across the border into Pakistan and Pakistan-administered regions early on Wednesday in response to the deadly terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam which claimed 26 lives last month.

The assault occurred on 22 April at a well-liked tourist spot during the height of the tourism season, marking it as the most lethal incident for civilians in Kashmir in many years. Witnesses reported that the attack in Pahalgam involved between four and six attackers dressed in military uniforms who appeared from an adjacent woodland area before firing extensively upon bystanders from short distances.

Missiles launched during the predawn hours of Wednesday from Indian territory above Kashmir targeted various locations in Pakistan that India alleges serve as shelters for terrorists and their facilities, according to statements made by Indian defence ministry officials.

Arpan Rai reports:

India accuses Pakistan of being responsible for the Kashmir terror attack that resulted in 26 deaths. Here’s their proof.

The number of deaths in Pakistan has risen to 31, while in India it has reached 15.

13:55 , Alex Croft

Pakistan's total death count has risen to 31 due to artillery attacks near the Line of Control dividing the two nations in Kashmir, according to local officials.

At least 26 people had already been killed in the missile strikes by Indian forces last night. Indian authorities claim no civilians were impacted.

Meanwhile, India says there have been 15 killed and 43 injured as a result of Pakistan’s retaliatory fire in the Indian-controlled region of Kahsmir, specifically in civilian areas of Poonch and Tangdar.

Vietnam Airlines reroutes flights to and from Europe

13:50 , Alex Croft

Vietnam Airlines has rerouted around 10 flights between Vietnam and European countries including Germany, France and England to avoid Pakistani airspace, it said on Wednesday.

The airline stated that flights from Vietnam to Europe may continue to be redirected over the coming days, based on local conditions.

The budget carrier Vietjet stated that it was unaffected by the tensions.

Watch: Pakistanis warn India of 'severe consequences' after cross-border attacks

13:38 , Alex Croft

Pakistan says it shot down five Indian aircraft -ICYMI

13:30 , Alex Croft

Pakistan asserts that it has brought down multiple Indian aircraft, among them three advanced fighter jets, as retaliation for India's attacks early this morning.

In Indian-administered Kashmir, two aircraft crashed into villages, whereas another one went down in the north of Punjab state.

Local government officials in Indian-administered Kashmir informed Reuters that all three pilots flying the fighter jets have been admitted to the hospital.

Images circulating on local media, which have not been independently verified, showed a large, damaged cylindrical chunk of silver-coloured metal lying in a field at one of the crash sites.

Recap: India strikes back at Pakistan following the Kashmir terrorist incident

13:18 , Alex Croft

Here’s everything you need to know at this point:

• India stated that it attacked nine purported militant hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir during an early morning operation today.

• Delhi stated that the assault was in response to a terrorist strike on April 22nd, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, largely visitors, in Kashmir.

• Pakistan claimed to have brought down five Indian aircraft during the strikes, with verified accounts indicating several jets falling on the Indian side of the actual borderline. India hasn’t made any statements regarding the exact number of planes that were downed.

• Pakistan's prime minister Shehbaz Sharif called the airstrikes an "act of war" and added that Islamabad reserves the right to "give a strong response".

• At least 26 civilians, including children, were killed in the airstrikes in Pakistan, that also targeted a mosque, Pakistani authorities said. Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh claimed the Palestinian civilian population was not impacted

• India said 15 of its citizens were killed in heavy Pakistani shelling along the Line of Control, the de facto border between the two parts of Kashmir administered by the two countries. Both control part of Kashmir but claim it in full.

• India has shut nine civilian airports in the north and western parts of the country, while its air force has taken over Indian-administered Kashmir's main airport in Srinagar.

• India's foreign ministry said the strikes had been conducted in part because further attacks were being planned in Pakistan. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri said India on Wednesday "exercised its right to preempt any terrorist attack”. "These actions were measured and non-escalatory and proportionate", he added.

• The British government has issued new travel advisories for India and Pakistan. Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer joined France’s earlier calls for both sides to show restraint.

India showed 'considerable restraint' with strikes - military official

13:09 , Alex Croft

Indian forces showed "significant restraint" during their attacks on Pakistan, according to a military official.

The military stated that nine terrorism-linked sites in Pakistan and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir were targeted during a 25-minute raid from 1:05 am to 1:30 am, as reported by PTI.

"Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who pilots a helicopter, stated that India has shown significant self-restraint in its reaction. Nevertheless, the Indian Armed Forces stand ready to address any provocation from Pakistan aimed at intensifying the conflict," she noted.

Taliban calls for both parties to 'show restraint'

12:59 , Alex Croft

The governing Taliban of Afghanistan have called upon both India and Pakistan to "act with restraint" and settle disputes via diplomatic means.

A statement read: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has expressed concerns about rising tensions between Pakistan and India, stating that further escalation would not be beneficial for the region."

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan maintains its conviction that security and stability benefit the shared interests of every nation in the surrounding area.

“In the meantime, it calls for both parties to show moderation and address their differences via discussion and diplomatic means.”

Civilian populace of Pakistan unharmed - Indian Defence Minister

12:54 , Alex Croft

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is presently addressing a press conference.

He asserts that the general public was unaffected by India's attack on Pakistan.

Mr Singh stated that India's military exercised its "right to respond" and retaliated against the assault on its territory. He asserted that as a result of these operations, Indian forces had successfully obliterated terrorist training camps.

Rishi Sunak: Strikes from India on Pakistan were justified

12:47 , Alex Croft

The attacks carried out by India against Pakistan are "warranted," according to ex-British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

“No nation should have to accept terrorist attacks being launched against it from land controlled by another country,” Mr Sunak wrote on X.

“India is justified in striking terrorist infrastructure. There can be no impunity for terrorists.”

Watch: Keir Starmer encourages ‘de-escalation’ following Indian airstrikes on Pakistan

12:42 , Alex Croft

Army reports death toll in India climbs to 15

12:41 , Alex Croft

The Indian army reports that Pakistan's attacks on India-controlled Kashmir have resulted in 15 civilian deaths and injuries to 43 others since Tuesday evening.

This is an increase to the previous death toll of 10. India says Pakistani shelling hit civilian areas in Poonch and Tangdhar

Pakistan claims that 26 individuals have died as a result of Indian aerial attacks on its soil.

Indian Army Made New History, Defence Minister States

12:34 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in an announcement made moments ago, stated that the Indian Armed Forces "demonstrated their courage and valor, thereby writing a new chapter in history."

He stated: "The Indian military acted with precision, vigilance, and sensitivity. We struck our designated targets accurately and timely."

Our military demonstrated considerable care in making sure that civilians were completely unaffected. To some extent, we can commend our soldiers for their accuracy, vigilance, and humanitarian approach. On behalf of the nation as a whole, I extend my congratulations to the jawans and officers.

'Lammy cautions: "No one emerges victorious" as tensions rise.'

12:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The UK government is encouraging India and Pakistan to demonstrate restraint and hold direct talks to swiftly achieve a diplomatic solution, as stated by Foreign Secretary David Lammy today.

"The UK maintains strong and distinctive ties with both nations. I have emphasized to my colleagues in India and Pakistan that should this situation escalate further, everyone would lose out," Mr Lammy stated.

The UK unequivocally condemned the dreadful terrorist attack in Pahalgam last month. It is imperative for all parties involved to swiftly collaborate towards achieving regional stability and guaranteeing the safety of civilians.

Flights avoid Pakistan airspace

12:14 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

On Wednesday morning, a series of flight cancellations and diversions affected Asia, the Middle East, and Europe as airlines adjusted their routes to circumvent Pakistani airspace, which stayed shut after India carried out precise attacks on suspected terrorist locations spanning both Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

The intensification, among the most severe confrontations between these nuclear-powered neighbors in more than twenty years, has led to a significant reduction in civilian air traffic above the northern regions of the subcontinent. Both India and Pakistan have halted operations at major airports, and several international airlines have altered their flight paths accordingly.

Aircraft tracking information provided by Flightradar24 indicated that over several dozen flights had been either cancelled or redirected by early Wednesday. Major airlines originating from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia reported urgent real-time alterations and extended diversions across the skies above the Arabian Sea and Central Asian regions with an aim to avoid entering the combat area.

Stuti Mishra reports.

Flights avoid Pakistan airspace after India’s pre-dawn missile strikes

France calls on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint

12:07 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot has called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint after New Delhi launched airstrikes on Pakistan to avenge a bloody terror attack.

“We understand India’s desire to protect itself against the scourge of terrorism, but we obviously call on both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint to avoid escalation and, of course, to protect civilians,” Mr Barrot told local media.

Pics show India carrying out mock security exercises

12:03 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Airlines restart flights at Pakistan's principal airfields.

11:46 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Airlines have restarted their operations in key Pakistani cities such as Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi, following an eight-hour halt. This pause came in response to India’s air strikes against purported terrorist bases within Pakistan.

Pakistan International Airlines, which acted as the flag-carrier, has halted its routine flights for 12 hours. This cessation continues even though airport activities have resumed.

India requests the head of the paramilitary to recall forces on leave.

11:43 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

India's Federal Home Minister, Amit Shah, has instructed the heads of all paramilitary units to recall their members who are currently on leave due to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, according to reports. Indian Express reported.

Mr Shah likewise examined the domestic security circumstances within the nation and instructed security personnel to remain vigilant.

Watch: Pakistani Response as They Warn of 'Severe Consequences' Following Cross-Border Attacks from India

11:40 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

In pics: Pakistani soldiers and civilians attend the funeral of the victims of the Indian missile strike in Muridke, Punjab province

11:27 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

exclusive: india-pakistan dispute causes disruption to uk air traffic

11:23 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The heightened conflict between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir has many implications for international aviation.

Passengers on a Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur to London Heathrow due in just before 6am arrived almost four hours late after their aircraft diverted to Doha. It appears the Airbus A350 needed to refuel after being rerouted on a much longer course.

Normally the overnight MH2 flight from the Malaysia capital flies over India from southeast to northwest, then crosses to fly over central Pakistan.

Simon Calder reports.

India-Pakistan conflict disrupts UK air passengers with delays and diversions

Expert says 'still hope conflict will remain contained'

11:18 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Chietigj Bajpaee, a senior research fellow for South Asia at Chatham House, said: "What we’ve seen from India is what we refer to as a precision strike operation, very similar to what India did in 2016 and 2019 following terrorist attacks in those years.

"India’s actions and statements – claiming that it has targeted terrorist camps and not military facilities – indicates that it is trying to control the escalation ladder-ensuring that conflict does not escalate to a wider conventional or nuclear conflict.

Nonetheless, achieving this will prove simpler in theory than in practice. Accidental escalation remains an ever-present concern, and both parties face minimal outside incentive to curb their behaviour. In recent times, each nation has adopted a notably bolder military stance—India during the tenure of Prime Minister Modi, and Pakistan with General Asim Munir at the helm of its army.

We shall have to wait and see whether restricted reciprocal measures will be enough to satisfy both nations' domestic political groups and their ultra-nationalistic international strategies, or if these steps result in a more widespread increase in tensions.

"In the bad old days of the India-Pakistan relationship, you would see casualties quite frequently across the demarcated border line of Kashmir.

"As long as we see these casualties being confined to Kashmir, and we don’t see attacks on military installations on either side, there’s still hope that the conflict will remain relatively contained."

How the world responded to India’s strikes on Pakistan

11:03 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Allies of New Delhi and Islamabad called for restraint and diplomacy after India conducted military strikes inside Pakistan early on Wednesday, dramatically escalating the risk of a wider conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Several nations expressed reserved backing for India's assertion about combating terrorism after the missile incidents in Pakistan, which were attributed by New Delhi to be linked with a recent assault in Kashmir.

The US President, Donald Trump, referred to escalating tensions on the subcontinent as "a shame" – among the initial reactions from him regarding the incident which occurred early Wednesday local time.

The British foreign secretary, David Lammy, “made contact” with his counterparts in India and Pakistan following the attacks, according to one of his cabinet colleagues.

Shweta Sharma reports.

What has been the global reaction to India's attacks on Pakistan?

Chinese diplomat meets Pakistani Foreign Minister

11:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

China's Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, met with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar earlier today as Pakistan hurriedly addressed India’s strikes on purported terrorist bases.

Mr Dar updated the Chinese ambassador about the "grave circumstances arising from India’s unjustified breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty and the unfortunate deaths of civilians," according to a statement released by Pakistan's foreign ministry on X.

The opposing parties shared their perspectives on the evolving situation regarding regional security and concurred on keeping tight cooperation and dialogue open in every pertinent field.

China – one of Pakistan's closest allies – said India's airstrikes on Pakistan were "regrettable".

"China condemns all manifestations of terrorism. We call upon both parties to prioritise peace and stability, maintain composure, show restraint, and avoid engaging in activities that could exacerbate the circumstances," stated a representative from the Chinese foreign ministry.

Pics show UN observers examining a damaged mosque following Indian attacks in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

10:33 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Pakistan authorising 'corresponding actions'

10:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The Pakistan military has received authorization to "take appropriate measures" following India's nocturnal air strike, according to a statement from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office.

The statement also noted that the Indian attacks were conducted under the false pretense of supposed terrorist camps being present and intentionally struck civilian structures, such as mosques.

"These unwarranted and unjust attacks have martyred innocent men, women, and children," the statement read.

The Pakistani military countered the attacks, as stated, by shooting down five of India's fighter jets and reconnaissance planes.

The government stated that Pakistan retains the right to defend itself "at a moment, location, and method of its own selection," adding that the military has been empowered to undertake "appropriate measures" as retaliation for what was described as an infringement upon the nation’s sovereignty.

UN delegation inspects location of Indian air strike in Pakistan

10:07 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

This afternoon, a UN delegation inspected the location where India carried out strikes within Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

The squad went to Muzaffarabad, where India claimed they had hit suspected militant hideouts, as reported by Reuters.

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed his deep concern over the assaults carried out by India in Pakistan as well as Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. He urged both of these nuclear-capable South Asian countries to exercise utmost military caution.

"The Secretary-General is deeply troubled by the Indian military actions spanning the Line of Control and the international border. He urges both nations to exercise maximal military self-restraint," stated the spokesperson for the UN head.

"The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan."

In pics: Indian military patrols streets of Wuyan, Pampore

09:59 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

India strikes kill 10 family members of militant leader

09:44 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The chief of Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed said at least 10 of his family members were killed in India's pre-dawn airstrikes this morning.

Masood Azhar said his elder sister and her husband, his nephew and his wife, a niece, and five children from his family were killed in the attack on Pakistan's Bahawalpur, according to the group.

Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in February 2019 in India-administered Kashmir which killed 40 Indian paramilitary troops. T

The assault led to reciprocal military actions between India and Pakistan, which eased off once an Indian fighter pilot was taken and subsequently let go.

On Wednesday, the Pakistani military stated that this morning's airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 26 civilians, which included women and children.

The Pakistan military states that no Indian aircraft are permitted to enter its airspace.

09:41 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The Pakistani armed forces stated that no Indian planes were permitted to enter Pakistan’s air space during today's early morning attacks, and they also confirmed that none of their own fighter jets entered Indian territory.

"At no point were any of their aircraft permitted to enter Pakistan’s airspace, and similarly, at no point did any of Pakistan’s aircraft venture into Indian airspace," according to spokesman Gen Ahmed Chaudhry. Dawn as saying.

He asserted that the Pakistan Army had adequately retaliated against the Indian aggression and obliterated "multiple" Indian outposts.

Defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif earlier in the day told Bloomberg that Pakistan had downed at least five Indian planes.

The Indian government has not issued any clarification on that point, though eye witnesses have reported multiple planes coming down on India's side of the border.

In which location did India attack Pakistan?

09:10 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

India stated that it carried out precise strikes in Pakistan during a military operation overnight, following a terrorist attack in Kashmir which resulted in 26 fatalities and heightened tensions between the two nuclear-powered neighbors.

Delhi has accused Islamabad of being responsible for the assault that occurred on 22 April in the disputed Himalayan area, over which both nations assert full sovereignty but actually control only partially.

Indian officials asserted on Tuesday that the objectives of the nocturnal attacks were nine establishments reportedly connected to outlawed extremist organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.

Stuti Mishra has more.

Charted: The Locations Where India Launched Deadly Pre-Dawn Airstrikes into Pakistani Territory

Families of the Kashmir victims from 22 April commend India's raids

09:07 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Some family members of the victims of the terror attack in India-administered Kashmir last month have praised the Modi government for launching airstrikes targeting alleged militant hideouts in Pakistan this morning.

India initiated an operation they named "Operation Sindoor" early Wednesday morning as revenge for the murder of 26 individuals in Pahalgam on April 22nd; this incident marked one of the most brutal assaults on visitors in the area in several decades.

Sindoor refers to the red vermillion used by married Hindu women, which seems to allude to the widows resulting from the terrorist attack.

"My mother is pleased that India has provided an appropriate response and that the operation received a suitable title. I extend my respects to the Indian armed forces," stated Arathy, whose father, N Ramachandran, was a victim.

Sangita Ganbote, the widow of victim Kaustubh Ganbote, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for targeting the suspected militant hideouts.

She told news agency ANI that the military’s actions are positive, and by calling it Operation Sindoor, they have honoured the women.

"I cry every day. I am scared," she said, recalling the attack in April.

"We were waiting for PM Modi to take such action, and he has given them a befitting reply. Terrorists should be eliminated."

UK Foreign Office warns against travel to parts of India and Pakistan

08:54 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

UK citizens have been advised against travel to parts of India and Pakistan following a deadly escalation in conflict between the two nations.

Officials said at least 26 people have been killed and 46 wounded after India fired missiles across the border into Pakistani-controlled territory in at least six locations.

India stated that it had attacked facilities utilized by militants connected to the previous month's slaughter of visitors in the Indian-administered part of Kashmir.

More here.

The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel warning for both India and Pakistan following the recent air strikes.

Witness claims explosion ignited blazes at homes in Indian-administered Kashmir

08:38

A witness who observed a plane crash in Wuyan within Indian-controlled Kashmir reported seeing flames from burning homes after an explosion.

"Yesterday evening around 2 am, when we were fast asleep, we suddenly woke up due to a loud sound. All the homes nearby became brightly illuminated, immediately followed by an explosion," stated the resident, preferring to remain anonymous. The Independent 's Mohammad Dawood.

"We thought it was a mock drill as planned (India had announced civil defence drills across the country for Wednesday), but there were multiple blasts after that and there was a strong diesel smell spreading.

We spotted an airplane that flew past us from behind our home. It came back and struck a school structure. We heard a loud bang followed by flames.

"When locals realised it was a bomb blast, fire services were called who controlled the blaze. The army arrived after and we weren't told anything further until this morning."

David Lammy extends an olive branch to colleagues in India and Pakistan.

08:18 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

British foreign secretary David Lammy has "reached out" to his counterparts in India and Pakistan, one of his cabinet colleagues has said.

"You will understand that when there is action of this kind, we can anticipate it, (but) we wouldn't have shared with us the details of the retaliatory response," trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds told Sky News this morning.

"I do know the foreign secretary has reached out to both partners, as have our American allies and other key partners, other key European allies as part of this.

"Sometimes what is required is a trusted channel of communication. That's for both parties to decide if that's the way forward. But they both do have an interest in de-escalation and, of course, in regional security."

Modi cancels Europe trip

08:09 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has postponed his upcoming trip to Europe after New Delhi launched airstrikes on Pakistan this morning, Reuters reported.

Mr Modi was scheduled to visit Oslo on 15 May for the third India-Nordic summit. He was supposed to travel to Croatia and the Netherlands as well.

Analysis: All eyes on how Pakistan will respond

08:08 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

"Pakistan has a history of swift counterattacks – it’s something we’re taught in army training as well. So, a retaliation is not a question of 'if' but 'when'," Lt Col JS Sodhi told The Independent 's Shweta Sharma.

"Pakistan will have to respond to satisfy its domestic audience. Not doing so would invite criticism for both the Shehbaz Sharif government and the Pakistan Army."

More here.

Analysis: Everyone watching to see Pakistan's response following India's lethal early morning attacks

Russia expresses deep concern over the standoff between India and Pakistan.

08:02 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The Russian foreign ministry expressed deep concern over the escalating military tension between India and Pakistan, urging both nations to exercise caution.

Russia, having amicable ties with both India and Pakistan, issued a statement on the foreign ministry’s website condemning all types of terrorism.

Several Indian airports directed to remain closed until May 10th.

07:55 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The Indian aviation authorities are said to have closed down nine airports located in the northern and western regions of the nation.

Indian flag-carrier Air India today said flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot were cancelled until 10 May due to airport closures.

The Indian Air Force has assumed control of Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar Airport, leading to the suspension of all commercial operations.

Recap: India launches fatal pre-dawn airstrikes against Pakistan in surge of attacks

07:36 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

• India stated that it attacked nine purported militant hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir during an early morning operation today.

• Delhi stated that the assault was in response to a terrorist strike on April 22nd, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, largely visitors, in Kashmir.

• Pakistan claimed to have brought down five Indian aircraft during the attacks, with verified accounts indicating several planes crashing on the Indian side of the actual borderline. India has refrained from commenting on how many jets were reportedly shot down.

• Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the airstrikes as an "act of war" and stated that Islamabad retains the right to "respond forcefully".

• Pakistani officials reported that at least 26 civilians, among them children, lost their lives due to the airstrikes which also hit a mosque.

• India said 10 of its citizens were killed in heavy Pakistani shelling along the Line of Control, the de facto border between the two parts of Kashmir administered by the two countries. Both control part of Kashmir but claim it in full.

• India has closed down nine civil airports located in the northern and western regions of the nation, whereas its air force now controls the primary airport in Srinagar, which is administered under Indian control.

• The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that the strikes were carried out partly due to impending attacks being prepared within Pakistan. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri mentioned on Wednesday that India acted to prevent potential terror assaults. He also noted that these measures were restrained, unprovocative, and appropriate.

• The UK government has released updated travel warnings for India and Pakistan.

Pakistan summons Indian diplomat

07:26 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The Pakistani foreign ministry stated that they have called for the Indian embassy’s charge d’affaires to register their objection over the recent strikes carried out by India, claiming that these attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 26 civilians.

"The foreign ministry stated that 'India’s overt act of aggression clearly violates Pakistan’s sovereignty,' " it said.

Pakistani officials said a missile strike on the Bahawalpur mosque killed 13, including women and children.

India conducts nationwide security drills

07:14 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The Indian government has begun conducting a nationwide civil defence drill today to test preparations for an attack on its territory amid the military escalation with its neighbour, Pakistan.

The drill is expected to be the largest civil defence drill in India since 1971, the year India and Pakistan went to war which led to the formation of Bangladesh.

The home ministry has ordered several states and federal territories to conduct mock drills to test air raid warning sirens, evacuation plans, implement crash blackout measures, and training people to respond in case of any attacks.