Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday declared a state of emergency across the province and announced the immediate closure of all schools and colleges after a series of Indian missile attacks struck civilian areas in Pakistan, triggering a swift military retaliation.
“All leaves of doctors and medical staff have been cancelled, and civil defence personnel have been recalled to duty,” CM Maryam stated during an emergency briefing, instructing hospitals and emergency services to stay on high alert.
The announcement followed confirmation from the Pakistan military that Indian forces had carried out airstrikes on five locations within Pakistan’s borders, Bahawalpur, Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Muridke, with all the targets being civilian zones, as per DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. Military installations remained untouched.
In a prompt and forceful counterstrike, Pakistan’s armed forces reportedly destroyed an Indian brigade headquarters and a military post in the Dudhnial sector along the Line of Control (LoC).
Additionally, the Pakistan Air Force shot down three Indian fighter jets, according to security sources.
Strongly condemning the strikes, CM Maryam declared, “The people stand shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan Army. India may have started this, but we will finish it,” pledging unwavering support for the military’s actions.
She reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace but stressed that the country’s sovereignty was non-negotiable. “We seek peace, but with dignity. If war is imposed, the entire nation will unite as one force,” she asserted.
To ensure public safety, the chief minister advised residents to remain indoors and limit movement and called on citizens to trust only official communication. She encouraged people to report injuries or emergencies to local hospitals and rescue teams.
All emergency and disaster response units, including Rescue 1122 and civil defence bodies, have been placed on the highest alert as the situation remains tense.