War drums beat louder in South Asia as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif blasted India’s deadly missile and drone strikes as a “blatant act of war,” vowing Pakistan would respond with full force under international law.*
In a call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Shehbaz invoked Article 51 of the UN Charter, affirming Pakistan’s right to self-defence after the strikes killed 31 civilians, injured 57, and damaged critical infrastructure across Punjab and Azad Kashmir.
Pakistan Will Defend Every Inch, Cites UN Charter
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a firm message to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, declaring Pakistan’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter — following deadly Indian missile and drone strikes that killed 31 civilians and injured 57.
Calling India’s actions a “blatant act of war,” Shehbaz condemned the unprovoked assault that hit six civilian locations across Punjab and Azad Kashmir, including mosques and hydropower sites. “These attacks violate our sovereignty and threaten peace across South Asia,” he said, reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to protect its territorial integrity at all costs.
The Prime Minister expressed the nation’s outrage and appreciated President Trump’s concern over the crisis.
Secretary Rubio said the U.S. was closely monitoring the escalating situation and urged both Pakistan and India to pursue de-escalation and continued dialogue.
Retaliation Was Swift In response to India’s strikes, Pakistan’s armed forces shot down five Indian jets, destroyed seven drones, a brigade HQ, and multiple Indian checkposts along the Line of Control.
As tensions run high, both sides have agreed to stay in touch — but Pakistan’s message is clear: aggression will be met with force.