Pakistani leadership grants military full authority to retaliate against India

The National Security Committee convened on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to evaluate the situation following the Indian misssile attacks on six Pakistani cities, which resulted in the deaths of at least 26 civilians and injuries to 46 others.

"The NSC unequivocally condemned these illegal acts as blatant violations of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which manifestly constituted acts of war under international law. The deliberate targeting of civilians, including innocent women and children, by the Indian military constitutes a heinous and shameful crime, that is in violation of all norms of human behaviour and the provisions of international law."

"The Armed Forces of Pakistan have duly been authorised to undertake corresponding actions in this regard," the NSC statement said.

Senior military officials, ministers, and key government figures participated, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan, and the PM’s aide Tareq Fatemi.

Read: World reacts to Indian strikes in Pakistani cities

According to the official statement, the forum began by offering Fateha for the civilians martyred in the Indian strikes. Participants extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.

The committee deliberated on what it described as a serious situation arising from India’s unprovoked, cowardly and illegal war.

 "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.

"India’s act of aggression also caused grave danger to commercial airlines belonging to brotherly gulf countries, endangering the lives of thousands of on-board passengers. Besides, the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project was also deliberately targeted in violation of international conventions."

The declaration asserted that under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Pakistan reserves the right to act in self-defense. It affirmed that the country may respond to the attacks at a time, place, and in a manner of its choosing. The armed forces have been granted full authority to undertake necessary actions.

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"Pakistan has been emphatically rejecting Indian allegations claiming the presence of terrorist camps on its territory. It would also be recalled that immediately after 22 April 2025, Pakistan made a sincere offer for a credible, transparent and neutral investigation, which unfortunately was not accepted. The international media personnel had already visited these “imaginary terrorist camps” on 6 May 2025, and more visits were planned for 7 May 2025. "

The NSC statement further urged the international community to acknowledge the gravity of India’s actions and to hold it accountable for clear violations of international law and air safety protocols.

"Deeply anguished by India’s naked aggression, the entire Pakistani nation greatly appreciates and admires the bravery and courage of the Armed Forces and their timely action in the defense of their motherland. The nation stands galvanized and resolute in the face of any further aggression."

The statement reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace, but with clear boundaries:

"Pakistan remains committed to peace, with dignity and honour, and reiterates that it shall never allow any violation of its sovereignty, territorial integrity or permit any harm to its proud people."