India-Pakistan Conflict Escalates: Multiple Pakistani Cities Hit in Missile Strikes
In a grave escalation of hostilities between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan, several Pakistani cities were struck by missile attacks late Wednesday night, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan’s military.
Indian Missile Strikes Hit Mosques, Residential Areas Across Pakistan
The Indian strikes reportedly targeted mosques and civilian homes, intensifying tensions that had already flared following a recent attack on Indian tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir—an incident New Delhi has blamed on militants allegedly based in Pakistan.
Read More: India and Pakistan Exchange Fire After Deadly Kashmir Attack
Cities Targeted and Confirmed Damage
- Ahmadpur East, Bahawalpur
- Target: Subhan Mosque & nearby residential quarters
- Missiles Fired: 4
- Casualties: 5 killed (including a 3-year-old girl), 31 injured
- Damage: Mosque flattened; severe damage to homes
- Muzaffarabad (Azad Kashmir)
- Target: Bilal Mosque
- Missiles Fired: 7
- Casualties: 1 girl injured
- Damage: Mosque destroyed
- Kotli (Azad Kashmir)
- Target: Abbots Mosque
- Missiles Fired: 5
- Casualties: 2 killed (16-year-old girl & 18-year-old boy), 2 injured
- Damage: Heavy structural damage
- Muridke (near Lahore)
- Target: Local mosque
- Missiles Fired: 4
- Casualties: 1 dead, 1 injured, 2 missing
- Damage: Mosque destroyed; major financial loss to pottery sector
- Kotli Loharan, Sialkot District
- Target: Open field (believed to be misfire)
- Missiles Fired: 2
- Casualties/Damage: None
- Near Shakargarh
- Target: Dispensary
- Missiles Fired: 2
- Casualties: Not confirmed
- Damage: Minor
Conflicting Narratives
India has claimed it launched precision strikes against nine alleged terrorist camps. In contrast, Pakistan’s military insists the targeted locations had no militant presence and confirmed that six civilian sites were struck.
Pakistan Retaliates
In a swift response, Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets, though Indian officials have yet to confirm any aircraft losses. However, four Indian government sources told Reuters that three jets crashed within Indian-administered Kashmir and all pilots are currently hospitalized.
Economic Fallout and Regional Tensions
The attacks triggered panic across Pakistan, causing severe disruption—including a 6,500-point plunge in the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) within minutes of trading. Analysts warn that this is the worst military confrontation in over two decades, raising fears of further escalation between the long-time rivals.
