Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major General Ahmed Sharif on Wednesday strongly condemned India’s overnight airstrike, calling it a cowardly act of aggression that led to the martyrdom of 31 Pakistani civilians and injuries to 57 others.

In a detailed statement, the military spokesperson revealed that the Indian attack deliberately targeted non-combatants, including women, children, and places of worship. “The enemy has shown its true face to the world. It targeted innocent civilians, including children — can such children ever be terrorists?” he questioned.

Calling out the Indian army’s “lowly and despicable” actions, the DG ISPR said India had once again committed acts of terrorism on Pakistani soil, for which irrefutable evidence exists. “What happened last night, if not terrorism, then what was it?” he asked, highlighting that mosques and the homes of impoverished citizens were among the key targets.

He further noted that the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project was also attacked, which, according to international law, constitutes a war crime. “Dams and civilian infrastructure are protected sites — targeting them is a violation of international humanitarian law,” he said.

Pakistan’s armed forces turn dark night into ‘moonlit victory’: PM Shehbaz

Clarifying Pakistan’s military response, the DG ISPR said that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) successfully shot down five Indian aircraft, including combat drones, and inflicted heavy losses on enemy positions. “Despite India’s unprovoked aggression, Pakistan’s Armed Forces exercised restraint and avoided targeting Indian civilians,” he added.

“Ceasefire violations by India will not be tolerated,” he warned, adding that Pakistan remains fully capable of defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. “The Armed Forces of Pakistan will never compromise on national defence, and the entire nation stands united in this cause,” he asserted.