Pakistan has closed schools and declared a state of emergency in its most populous province, Punjab, in response to Indian airstrikes that targeted multiple locations within Pakistani territory. The strikes come in the wake of a deadly militant attack in the disputed Kashmir region.
Authorities in Punjab, home to nearly 130 million people, have placed emergency services on high alert. Hospitals, rescue teams, and medical personnel have been instructed to brace for potential casualties as tensions between the two nations continue to rise.
In retaliation for the Indian strikes, Pakistan’s military confirmed it had launched counterattacks against military installations in Indian-administered Kashmir. A Pakistani intelligence official reported that at least 12 targets in the Kashmir region were hit, with further escalation anticipated.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called an emergency meeting with the national security cabinet to address the rapidly evolving situation.
In a significant disruption to civilian movement, Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority has ordered the closure of the nation’s airspace for 48 hours, grounding all flight operations at Islamabad and Lahore airports indefinitely.
