Pakistani PM Chairs NSC Meeting Amid Escalating Tensions Following Indian Strikes

Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) following a series of unprovoked and coordinated strikes by Indian armed forces on Pakistani territory late on the night of 6/7 May.

The NSC offered Fateha for the innocent civilians martyred in the attacks, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and expressed wishes for the swift recovery of the injured. The committee deliberated on the grave national security implications of what it described as a “cowardly and unlawful act of war” by India.

According to official sources, Indian forces launched simultaneous missile, air, and drone strikes targeting multiple civilian areas in Punjab—including Sialkot, Shakargarh, Muridke, and Bahawalpur—as well as Kotli and Muzaffarabad in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The attacks, purportedly carried out under the false pretext of targeting terrorist camps, led to the martyrdom of numerous innocent civilians, including women and children, and caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including mosques.

The strikes also endangered regional air traffic, particularly commercial flights belonging to Gulf nations, and reportedly targeted critical infrastructure such as the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project in violation of international conventions.

The NSC condemned the attacks in the strongest terms, calling them a blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and a direct act of war under international law. “The deliberate targeting of civilians is a heinous crime, in violation of all norms of human conduct and international legal principles,” the committee said.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s rejection of Indian allegations regarding terrorist camps, the NSC recalled that Islamabad had extended an offer for a credible and neutral investigation immediately after the 22 April incident—an offer which India declined. Furthermore, international media had already visited the alleged sites on 6 May, with more visits planned for 7 May.

“India’s refusal to accept transparency and its subsequent military aggression only reinforce the hollowness of its claims,” the NSC stated, accusing the Indian leadership of using false narratives to justify actions driven by domestic political motives.

The committee declared that the Pakistan Armed Forces had effectively defended national sovereignty and territorial integrity, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir. In the process, five Indian fighter aircraft and drones were reportedly downed.

Invoking Article 51 of the UN Charter, the NSC affirmed Pakistan’s right to self-defense and announced that the military has been fully authorized to respond at a time, place, and in a manner of its choosing.

“The Pakistani nation is united in grief and pride,” the statement read. “It deeply admires the bravery and swift response of its Armed Forces and remains fully resolute against any further aggression.”

The NSC urged the international community to recognize the seriousness of India’s actions and hold it accountable for violations of international law.

While reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace, the government reiterated that it would not tolerate any violation of its sovereignty or threat to its people.