Pakistan has declared a state of emergency and shut down schools in its most populous province following airstrikes by India on multiple locations inside Pakistani territory. The strikes came in response to a deadly militant attack in the disputed Kashmir region.
Authorities in Punjab province, home to nearly 130 million people, announced that medical personnel, emergency responders, and rescue teams have been placed on high alert after Indian missiles struck two sites in the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has convened an emergency meeting of the security cabinet to assess the situation. Pakistan’s military has confirmed that it carried out counter-strikes targeting Indian military installations in the Kashmir region. A Pakistani intelligence official stated that at least 12 targets were hit and warned that further escalation could follow.
In response to the strikes, Pakistan has closed its airspace for 48 hours. The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the suspension of all flight operations at Islamabad and Lahore airports until further notice.
