ISLAMABAD: The National Security Committee (NSC) convened on Wednesday under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the escalating security situation following what was described as a “cowardly” missile attack by India on Pakistani territory. Terming the assault an “act of war,” the NSC condemned the violation and authorized the country’s armed forces to take retaliatory action in defense of national sovereignty.
The high-level meeting, attended by key federal ministers and the heads of Pakistan’s military services, began with a prayer (Fateha) for the civilians who lost their lives in the attacks and included wishes for the swift recovery of those injured. The participants were briefed on the situation arising from the strikes and discussed Pakistan’s military response and future strategy.
According to the official communiqué released after the session, the NSC stated that the Indian offensive constituted a serious breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty and integrity. It emphasized that such actions, carried out without evidence and targeting civilian populations, are in direct violation of international laws and norms, and can be rightly categorized as acts of war.
The NSC strongly criticized India for launching missile strikes on populated areas in cities including Sialkot, Shakargarh, Muridke, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad, under the false pretense of targeting terrorist hideouts. The attacks resulted in the martyrdom of innocent men, women, and children and caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including mosques.
Sources familiar with the meeting indicated that the NSC thoroughly reviewed the sequence of events following India’s aggression and assessed the performance and response of Pakistan’s armed forces. The committee is expected to announce concrete policy decisions based on this assessment in the near future.
The communiqué highlighted that Pakistan had issued earlier warnings against any hostile action and had assured a firm response if provoked. True to its word, the Pakistan Armed Forces reportedly delivered a strong and immediate response to India’s aggression.
As the nation awaits further developments, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to address the country at 3 pm to provide updates and articulate Pakistan’s position on the matter.
