Pakistan Army ‘Authorised’ To Take Counteraction After India’s Strike: Reports
New Delhi: The Pakistani government has authorized the military to “undertake corresponding actions” after India’s strikes. “These unprovoked and unjustified attacks deliberately targeted the civilian areas, on the false pretext of presence of imaginary terrorist camps, resulting in the martyrdom of innocent men, women, and children, and causing damage to the civilian infrastructure, including mosques,” an Information Ministry statement said.
“The Armed Forces of Pakistan have duly been authorized to undertake corresponding actions in this regard,” the ministry said. Pakistan’s National Security Committee said India had “ignited an inferno in the region,” and that responsibility for the ensuing consequences lies squarely with New Delhi. In August 2019, India revoked Article 370 of its constitution, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its semi-autonomous status to be ruled directly from New Delhi.
The move triggered a major escalation in tensions with Pakistan, which strongly opposed the decision and downgraded diplomatic ties. India deployed tens of thousands of additional troops, imposed curfews, shut down internet services, and detained local political leaders. Indian security forces carried out intensified counterinsurgency operations, resulting in the deaths of numerous suspected militants. However, these operations often led to civilian casualties.
A 2021 ceasefire brought temporary calm, but skirmishes and unrest resumed. China’s border tensions and economic ties with Pakistan have added complexity to the dispute. The region remained volatile, with delayed elections, restricted freedoms, and ongoing sporadic violence, even before the April 22 Pahalgam Attack sparked the latest crisis.
In August 2019, India revoked Article 370 of its constitution, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its semi-autonomous status to be ruled directly from New Delhi. The move triggered a major escalation in tensions with Pakistan, which strongly opposed the decision and downgraded diplomatic ties. India deployed tens of thousands of additional troops, imposed curfews, shut down internet services, and detained local political leaders.