Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), announced during a media briefing on Wednesday that India targeted and damaged the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project in an “unprovoked” attack. Describing the act as “regrettable,” Lt Gen Chaudhry raised concerns over the targeting of Pakistan’s water reserves, questioning whether such actions align with international and war laws.
The ISPR chief detailed a series of overnight attacks (between May 6 and 7), resulting in strikes on mosques and civilian areas. These attacks led to the deaths of at least 26 civilians and injuries to 46 others. Specific incidents included strikes on multiple mosques:
- Ahmedpur East: A mosque strike injured 37 individuals, including nine women and three girls. Another mosque, Masjid Abbas, saw the death of a 16-year-old girl and an 18-year-old boy, along with injuries to a mother and daughter.
- Muridke: A mosque attack martyred three men and injured another.
Unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC) also caused the martyrdom of five civilians, including a child, while attacks in Sialkot and Shakargarh resulted in no casualties or damage.
The Pakistan Armed Forces swiftly retaliated against Indian aggression. The Pakistan Air Force shot down five Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets and a MiG-29, during a counterattack over areas such as Bathinda, Jammu, and Srinagar. Additionally, the Pakistan Army destroyed key Indian military positions, including brigade headquarters and check posts in locations such as Danna, Gafdar, and Dodhial.
Fifty Indian soldiers fled their post in the Badori sector during the counterstrike, according to Lt Gen Chaudhry. He assured that Pakistan’s military and strategic assets remain secured and untouched by the assaults.
The ISPR chief noted that areas targeted by India were the same sites inspected by domestic and international media earlier. Scheduled visits by media representatives to locations like Muridke provided evidence of transparency, countering Indian claims.
Lt Gen Chaudhry emphasized that Indian actions violated the ceasefire agreement, exposing aggressive intentions. While reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to peace, he warned that the nation remains fully prepared to defend itself and called upon global stakeholders to address India’s provocations promptly.
