Tensions Escalate Along LoC as Pakistan Army Downs Indian Drone; Civilian Casualties Reported in Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Tensions sharply escalated along the Line of Control (LoC) early Friday morning as the Pakistan Army shot down an Indian surveillance quadcopter in the Baghsar sector of Samahni, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), while Indian forces launched heavy and unprovoked shelling across multiple sectors.
Indian Drone Shot Down in Baghsar Sector
Security sources confirmed that the Indian quadcopter was intercepted and brought down by Pakistani forces at approximately 3:15am in the Baghsar region, reflecting the growing volatility along the disputed border.
Civilian Casualties in Bagh and Hajira
The situation intensified when Indian troops allegedly initiated unprovoked shelling in the Chowki Kotetri village of Bagh district, resulting in the tragic death of 22-year-old civilian Osama Ishrat, who had been married just 10 days prior. His two sisters also sustained injuries in the attack, according to local sources.
In a separate incident in Hajira town, Poonch district, three more civilians were wounded due to Indian firing. The assistant commissioner of Hajira confirmed the injured were swiftly transported to a nearby hospital. Shelling reportedly caused damage to vehicles and triggered widespread panic among local residents.
Missiles were reported to have landed in parts of Hajira city, while continued shelling affected the Madarpur and Haveli sectors. Authorities have issued emergency advisories, urging the public to remain indoors as a precaution.
Pakistan Army Retaliates with Precision Strikes
In response to the aggression, the Pakistan Army launched a strong retaliatory strike targeting multiple Indian military positions along the LoC. Sources described it as a “befitting response”, with Indian Army posts in Pandu and Haji Pir sectors hit hard.
Among the reported targets were the Jhanda Ziarat post and Indian battalion headquarters in Nanga Tak, both of which were reportedly destroyed. Several other Indian check posts in Haji Pir were also neutralized.
A security official noted, “The Pakistan Army is giving a firm and effective response to Indian aggression,” reaffirming the country’s unwavering resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and civilian population.
Neelum Valley Faces Third Consecutive Day of Shelling
The violence continued for the third consecutive day in Neelum Valley, where Indian forces intensified unprovoked shelling across several densely populated areas including Shahkot, Jura, Athmuqam, Dudhniyal, Sharda, Kel, Halmat, and Gurez Valley.
Indian troops were accused of deliberately targeting civilian settlements in Shahkot, Sharda, Athmuqam, Kel, and Kundal Shahi, resulting in the critical injury of a young man in Upper Kel. The local NADRA office was also heavily damaged by mortar rounds.
Blackout and Emergency Measures Imposed
In response, the Pakistan Army retaliated with full force, effectively silencing Indian firing positions. Emergency measures were enforced, including blackouts in Neelum Valley, and District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) Athmuqam and Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Kel were placed on high alert to treat the injured.
Authorities are currently assessing the extent of infrastructural damage, with initial reports indicating significant losses in residential zones.
