Pakistani PM slams India for cowardly attack amid rising tensions

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has recently addressed parliament, accusing India of a cowardly attack on Pakistan under the cover of night amid escalating tensions between the two nations. 

His remarks come in the wake of a sharp escalation in hostilities between the two neighbouring nations, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Pakistani newspaper.

The prime minister condemned the timing of the assault, emphasising that such actions were taken in the dark to minimise the potential for retaliation. However, Sharif assured the nation that Pakistan's military had responded forcefully, striking back against the aggression. The prime minister extended his condolences and prayers for the innocent civilians who lost their lives in the recent Indian airstrikes that targeted areas in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.

These strikes occurred the previous night, resulting in significant civilian casualties. Sharif expressed profound sorrow over the deaths, noting that among the victims were not only men and women but also children.

In a significant escalation following the April 22 militant attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Indian forces launched airstrikes on seven sites inside Pakistan — well beyond the contested Line of Control.

Indian officials confirmed the operation, dubbed “Operation Sindoor”, hit targets in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Tehra Kalan, Sialkot, Bhimber, Kotli and Muzaffarabad.

Indian authorities claim the Kashmir assault was designed to derail development in the region and incite communal unrest. While Delhi has publicly accused Islamabad of aiding the attackers, Pakistan has flatly denied any involvement and instead says it’s India that’s destabilising regional peace.

The tit-for-tat rhetoric and military manoeuvres have put South Asia’s two nuclear-armed neighbours on edge — again. 

By Naila Huseynova