IAF used standoff weapons, claims Pak

NEW DELHI — Pakistan early Wednesday claimed the Indian Air Force, “while remaining within Indian airspace used standoff weapons targeting civilian population.”

A Pakistan government statement alleged the IAF targeted areas across the International Border in Muridke and Bahawalpur in Pakistani Punjab and across the Line of Control in Kotli and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

It said the Indian action has caused “grave threat” to commercial air traffic.

“Pakistan reserves the right to respond appropriately at a time and place of its choosing,” the statement added.

Pakistan’s DG ISPR, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhary, said India struck sites in Kotli, Muridke, Bahawalpur, Chak Amru, Bhimber, Gulpur, Sialkot and two sites in Muzaffarabad.

The Indian armed forces conducted precision strikes at 1:44 AM on “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam attack in which 26 civilians were killed on April 22.

India struck bases in Pakistan and PoK from where “terrorist attacks were being planned and directed”. A total of nine sites were targeted in the overnight precision strikes under the codename ‘Operation Sindoor’.

India said, “Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution. We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held responsible.”