Pakistan Army Granted Full Authority to Respond to Indian Aggression

An emergency meeting of Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) was held on Wednesday in response to India’s “unprovoked and illegal aggression.” The committee authorized Pakistan’s armed forces to take retaliatory action, citing the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the meeting included federal ministers and top military leaders. The NSC was briefed on India’s missile, drone, and air strikes targeting civilian areas in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of at least 26 civilians. Pakistan confirmed it had downed five Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets, and destroyed several military posts.

The NSC condemned India’s actions and called on the international community to take immediate notice, warning of serious risks to regional peace. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar added that India’s forces raised white flags at the Chura complex, signaling defeat.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to address the nation at 3 p.m. to outline the government’s response. A federal cabinet meeting will follow to ratify the NSC’s decisions. The military also briefed the NSC about India’s attempted strike on the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project, calling it a violation of international norms.