Pakistan terms Indian strikes ‘act of war’; vows strong response, shuts airspace

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday described the Indian missile strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Punjab province as an “act of war,” warning that Pakistan reserves the right to respond with full force.

In a statement, Sharif said India carried out attacks at five locations early Wednesday morning, and that the country would deliver a “befitting reply” to what he called a war imposed by India. “Our armed forces know very well how to deal with the enemy. We will never allow the enemy to succeed in its nefarious designs,” he said.

Pakistan Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said at least eight people were killed and 35 injured in the strikes, according to Geo News.

Prime Minister Sharif has called an emergency meeting of the National Security Council at 10 am. In response to the escalation, Pakistan has closed its airspace to all air traffic for the next 48 hours.