Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared a forceful response following missile strikes executed by India on multiple locations within Pakistan-controlled territory.

In a statement made on a social media platform, he described the Indian attacks as 'cowardly' and affirmed Pakistan’s right to defend itself under what he termed an 'act of war' imposed by India.

The Prime Minister convened a meeting of the national security committee in Islamabad to address the situation, underscoring the unity of the nation with its armed forces.

Reports indicate that the Indian military struck at least nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Pakistani military sources confirmed that the attacks led to civilian casualties, including the death of a child, and that retaliation was imminent.

Pakistani officials reported that air defenses successfully shot down two Indian fighter jets in the wake of the strikes, amid an escalation of military activity along the borders.

Initial assessments of the attacks reveal that three civilians were killed and many others were injured, particularly in the regions of Kotli and Bahawalpur, where the missile strikes reportedly destroyed civilian infrastructure, including a mosque.

Indian authorities contended that these strikes were responses to prior terrorist activities allegedly originating from Pakistani territory, specifically citing a recent attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where 26 people lost their lives during an attack attributed to militant groups.

The Indian government claims that their operations aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure, though Pakistan refuted these claims, asserting that the strikes targeted civilian areas and not militant sites.

A spokesperson for Pakistan's military remarked that the Indian actions represented a grave escalation in hostilities, and clarified that the attacks had caused significant distress to civilians, invoking a state of emergency in hospitals across Sindh province.

Pakistan’s civil aviation authority also announced the suspension of all air travel in response to the heightened conflict, diverting flights to Karachi for safety.

Political leaders from both nations have made statements reflecting their respective positions in this conflict.

Indian officials celebrated the strikes on social media, while Pakistan's leadership has reiterated their commitment to retaliate as the situation develops.

International reactions have included calls for restraint from various countries, including remarks from the United States, urging both parties to engage in dialogue to de-escalate tensions.

Meanwhile, the situation continues to evolve with both sides poised for further military action.