The UK-India free trade deal is under the spotlight following events in Bahawalpur and Islamabad, which have sparked fears World War Three could happen in the near future
India last night fired missiles across the border into Pakistani-controlled territory in at least three locations.
At least one child died and two other people were hurt following the attacks, which saw India strike infrastructure used by militants. Tensions have soared between the nuclear-armed neighbours over last month’s militant attack on tourists in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir. India has blamed Pakistan for backing the militant attack, which Islamabad has denied.
The missiles struck locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and in the country’s eastern Punjab province, according to officials. The attacks happened early on Wednesday local time (late on Tuesday night UK time). One of them struck a mosque in the city of Bahawalpur in Punjab, where a child was killed and a woman and man were injured, one official said.
The latest developments come amid escalating fears clashes between the two nations could lead to World War Three. A government minister in Pakistan made a chilling World War Three threat just last week, following an attack at a holiday resort in Kashmir – a territoriry that has been disupted between India and Pakistan for decades.
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What have officials in Pakistan said so far?
The officials said Pakistan had launched retaliatory strikes, without providing any details. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to the media.
State-run Pakistan Television, quoting security officials, said Pakistan’s air force shot down two Indian jets but provided no additional details.
Pakistani army spokesman Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif told ARY News that the missiles were launched from within Indian territory and that no Indian aircraft had entered Pakistani airspace.
And what has India disclosed?
India’s Defence Ministry said in a statement Wednesday that at least nine sites were targeted “where terrorist attacks against India have been planned.”
The statement added: “Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistan military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution. We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable.”
The Indian army in a post on the social media platform X wrote: “Justice is served.” It did not provide further details.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister branded the attacks ‘cowardly’
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement, said the “deceitful enemy has carried out cowardly attacks at five locations in Pakistan” and that his country would retaliate.
“Pakistan has every right to give a robust response to this act of war imposed by India, and a strong response is indeed being given,” Sharif said.
He said his country and its forces “know very well how to deal with the enemy… We will never let the enemy succeed in its nefarious objectives.”
Mr Sharif convened a meeting of the National Security Committee for Wednesday morning, according to a government announcement.
Meanwhile in Muzaffarabad, the main city in Kashmir, resident Abdul Sammad, said he heard several explosions and some people were wounded in the attack. Residents in Muzaffarabad were seen running in panic and power was immediately cut by authorities.
Waqar Noor, the interior minister in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, said at least one child was killed in the Indian attack. He said several missiles landed at two locations, and the civilian population was targeted. Mr Noor said authorities declared an emergency in the region’s hospitals.