India and Pakistan exchange fire after cross-border escalation

India launches missile strikes on alleged militant camps

The violence intensified after India launched missile strikes on Wednesday morning, claiming to have destroyed nine militant camps inside Pakistan. The strikes were described by New Delhi as "focused, measured and non-escalatory", coming two weeks after an attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. India blamed the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba group, a claim Pakistan denies.

Heavy civilian casualties reported

At least 43 people have been killed on both sides. Pakistan reported that 31 civilians died due to Indian strikes and border shelling, while Indian authorities said 12 people were killed in Pakistani attacks. Children were among the casualties on both sides.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a national address, stated that Pakistan would retaliate and avenge the deaths, declaring that the blood of those killed would not be shed in vain.

Conflicting claims over military losses

Pakistan’s military claimed to have downed five Indian fighter jets, but India has not confirmed the losses. A senior Indian security official said three Indian jets crashed within Indian territory. One of the largest strikes reportedly hit a seminary near Bahawalpur, resulting in 13 deaths.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the strikes were a justified response to last month’s attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 Hindu pilgrims. The operation, he said, was part of India’s right to defend itself.

International community urges de-escalation

World leaders have urged both nations to exercise restraint. US President Donald Trump expressed hope that both countries would cease hostilities and step back from the brink.