Pakistan Army given ‘free hand’ to strike back at India

An emergency meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) was convened at the Prime Minister’s House on Wednesday in response to what the government described as “unprovoked and illegal aggression” by India.

The committee authorised Pakistan’s armed forces to undertake retaliatory action, asserting the country’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the high-level meeting was attended by federal ministers and top military leadership. According to a statement issued after the session, the NSC was briefed on the security situation, particularly in the aftermath of India’s overnight missile, drone, and air strikes targeting civilian areas in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The statement condemned the attacks, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 26 civilians, including women and children. In response, Pakistan said it had downed five Indian warplanes—including three Rafale jets—and destroyed several enemy posts, including a brigade headquarters.

“Pakistan reserves the right to respond in time, place, and manner of its choosing,” the NSC stated, reaffirming that while the country desires peace in the region, there would be no compromise on sovereignty and national dignity.

The committee further demanded the international community take immediate notice of India’s actions, warning that the escalation posed a serious threat to regional peace and stability.

Following the meeting, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed that the Indian Army had raised white flags at the Chura complex near the Line of Control, allegedly admitting defeat after Pakistan’s counter-strikes inflicted “significant damage.”