Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) has granted the armed forces full authority to respond to India’s recent missile, air, and drone strikes, which targeted civilian areas in Pakistan, including cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The authorization allows Pakistan to strike back “at the time, place, and manner of its choosing,” marking a significant escalation in the already tense situation.
The attacks, which took place on the night of May 6–7, 2025, were reportedly aimed at multiple locations across Pakistan, including Sialkot, Shakargarh, Muridke, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad. The strikes resulted in the deaths of civilians, including women and children, and inflicted significant damage to civilian infrastructure, such as mosques and the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project.
The National Security Committee (NSC), was convened under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The forum offered Fateha for the souls of the innocent civilians martyred in India’s strikes, extended its heartfelt… pic.twitter.com/sWmmcKz3hW
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 7, 2025
The NSC’s statement condemned the airstrikes as “unprovoked, cowardly, and unlawful acts of war,” and emphasized Pakistan’s right to defend itself under Article 51 of the UN Charter. The committee also highlighted India’s actions as a breach of international law, particularly criticizing the targeting of civilian areas under the false claim of “terrorist camps.” The statement added that the attacks had endangered commercial flights from Gulf countries, further escalating the situation.
In a pointed response, the NSC reaffirmed that the Pakistan Air Force had successfully downed five Indian fighter jets and a drone during defensive operations. The committee reiterated that Pakistan remains prepared for further actions in defense of its sovereignty.
The statement also addressed India’s false claims regarding the presence of terrorist camps within Pakistan, stressing that the country had offered a neutral, transparent investigation following the April 22 attack, but India had refused this offer. The NSC criticized India for continuing its aggressive stance despite the lack of evidence to support its allegations, accusing India of using the civilian casualties as a political tool.
Pakistan’s government called on the international community to hold India accountable for what it described as a deliberate escalation that threatens regional stability. The NSC urged global powers to intervene and ensure India’s actions do not further destabilize the region.
