The National Security Committee (NSC) on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the situation arising from India’s cowardly attack on Pakistan terming it an “act of war” and authorised armed forces to take retaliatory action.
The NSC, which met here with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair, offered Fateha for the civilians martyred in India’s missile attacks and prayed for early recovery of the injured.
According to a communique issued after the meeting, the Indian action “is a blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and integrity.”
India’s actions clearly fall under acts of war as defined by international law, it said.
The NSC condemned India for targeting civilian areas on false accusations and damaging mosques and other infrastructure.
“India carried out attacks in Sialkot, Shakargarh, Muridke, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad, on the pretext of targeting imaginary terrorist camps. Innocent men, women and children were martyred in the attacks,” the communique said.
The meeting was attended by heads of armed forces and federal ministers who were briefed on the post-attack situation.
According to sources, the NSC reviewed India’s aggression, the response of the Pakistan Armed Forces, and would announce the next course of action. Key decisions are expected to be made during the session.
Pakistan had earlier warned of a strong response to India’s aggression. After the initiation of hostilities, the Pakistan Armed Forces fulfilled their promise by delivering a resounding response to the enemy.