DG ISI reports India fired missiles at Bahawalpur, Muzaffarabad and Kotli

RAWALPINDI: India fired missiles at three locations inside Pakistan, including Bahawalpur, Muzaffarabad and Kotli, the Director of Inter-Services Intelligence (DG ISI) reported in early hours of Wednesday.

The missile attacks originated from Indian territory, escalating tensions since the hardliner, Hindu-nationalist government of Narendra Modi accused Pakistan without evidence of the Pahalgam attack.

Read more: Multiple loud explosions heard in Muzaffarabad

Residents in Bahawalpur reported hearing four loud blasts, with the nature and cause of these explosions still under investigation. Additional reports indicate that loud blasts were heard in various areas of Azad Kashmir, including the outskirts of Muzaffarabad, where a power blackout has been imposed following the incidents.

The situation remains fluid, with authorities working to ascertain the details.

Background

The current escalation occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, particularly regarding the  longstanding issue of Jammu and Kashmir, which has remained on the United Nations (UN) agenda for over seven decades without being resolved.

On Tuesday, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, briefed the UN Security Council that Indian actions posed a threat not only to Pakistan but aslo to regional and global peace.

During the meeting, Ahmed outlined Pakistan’s position regarding Indian provocations and aggression, calling for immediate action from the UNSC. He condemned India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, labelling it a violation of the international law.

The UN Secretary-General expressed concerns over the escalating tensions between the two South Asian neighbours. In a press briefing, he condemned the Pahalgam attack and urged the nuclear-armed nations to exercise maximum restraint.

Five gunmen had killed 256 tourists in Pahalgam, Indian-occupied Kashmir, following which Modi accused Pakistan of being involved with no evidence.

India also suspended the Indus Water Treaty and diplomatic relations, while in retaliation, Pakistan suspended trade and Simla Agreement with India.

Information Minister Atta Tarar warned last week of an imminent Indian attack on Pakistan.

Recent intelligence reports also indicated a significant escalation in terrorist activities in Balochistan linked to Indian intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

Pakistani ambassador to Russia had warned India that any military action from India would be met with a robust response, including the potential use of nuclear weapons.

While international actors have tried to lessee tensions, including the US State Secretary Marco Rubio holding telephonic conversations with ministers of both nations, most of the world had remained neutral.