Indian Strikes Target Pakistan's Air Defense Systems; PM Shehbaz Sharif Holds Emergency Meeting with Military and Civilian Leaders

Indian Strikes Target Pakistan's Air Defense Systems; PM Shehbaz Sharif Holds Emergency Meeting with Military and Civilian Leaders

Following Indian strikes that targeted Pakistan's air defense systems, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened an emergency meeting with top military and civilian leaders, Geo News reported.

The escalation reportedly began last night when Pakistan attempted to launch drone and missile attacks into Indian territory — an effort that India claims it successfully thwarted. In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor”, striking various air defense radars and systems inside Pakistan.

According to Indian statements, one of the targets included an air defense installation in Lahore, which India claims was destroyed.

Pakistan, on its part, has stated that it shot down at least 24 Indian drones attempting to strike inside Pakistani territory.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently chairing a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC). The NSC on Wednesday had authorized the military to respond to India “at any time and place with appropriate force.”

Shortly after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described the Indian attacks as a “declaration of war”, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the nation, declaring:

“Every drop of blood will be avenged.”

India, meanwhile, has stated that the original Pakistani attacks were aimed at Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj.

According to Indian claims, all these attacks were intercepted and neutralized, after which India conducted retaliatory strikes on multiple Pakistani air defense installations.