Reactions from across the world have started pouring in following India’s unprovoked missile strikes targeting civilian areas in Pakistan’s Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Pakistan’s subsequent retaliation. According to Kashmir Media Service, reacting to the Indian aggression, President Donald Trump said, "It's a shame. Just heard about it. I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past…. I hope it ends very quickly."

He urged both the countries to exercise restraint and emphasizing the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue.   US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to the national security advisors from Pakistan and India and urged “both to keep lines of communication open and avoid escalation.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for maximum restraint from both sides.

Spokesperson for the UN chief said, "The Secretary-General is very concerned about the Indian military operations across the Line of Control and international border. He calls for maximum military restraint from both countries. The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan." China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, “China finds India's military operation early this morning regrettable. We are concerned about the ongoing situation.

We urge both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation." The European Union called for maximum restraint and stressed the importance of avoiding further escalation.   United Arab Emirates: The UAE has asked for India and Pakistan “to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation that could threaten regional and international peace.” 

Japan Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said, "… we express strong concern that this situation may lead to further retaliatory exchanges and escalate into a full-scale military conflict. For the peace and stability of South Asia, we strongly urge both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and stabilize the situation through dialogue."  At least 26 civilians were martyred and 46 others injured in a series of unprovoked and cowardly Indian airstrikes launched under the cover of darkness.

Indian forces targeted civilian populations in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Bagh, as well as in Muridke and Ahmadpur Sharqia. The strikes also destroyed two mosques and damaged other infrastructure. Pakistan Air Force responded decisively, shooting down five Indian fighter jets and destroying several enemy positions. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)