Operation Sindoor: 8 Dead, 35 Injured Pakistan’s PIA Grounds Flights as India Strikes PoK

In a dramatic escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor early Wednesday, targeting nine sites in Pakistan-controlled territories and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK).

A Pakistani military spokesperson informed Reuters and AFP that the death toll from the Indian strikes has climbed to eight civilians. Additionally, two individuals are reported missing, while 35 others sustained injuries in the attacks. According to the spokesperson, up to 24 strikes were carried out across six different locations.

The attack targeted multiple locations, including Kotli, Bahawalpur's Ahmedpur East, Bagh, Muzaffarabad, and Muridke, as confirmed by Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry in a statement to Geo News, as reported by Dawn. Chaudhry stated:

"In Ahmedpur East, we have received reports of a child's martyrdom and 12 others injured. Additionally, two civilians were martyred in Kotli."

The Pakistan military spokesperson also revealed:"We have confirmation that a mosque was struck in Ahmedpur East, and ordinance landed near a house. Parents and a child are trapped and are currently being rescued."

According to a statement cited by Pakistan's state broadcaster PTV News, the early morning attack led to the death of one innocent child, while a woman and a man sustained serious injuries in the areas struck.

"In the cowardly attack, one innocent child has been martyred so far, while one woman and one man are seriously injured," said the PTV report, underscoring the human toll of the cross-border escalation.

Missile Strikes in Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Bahawalpur

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, spokesperson for the Pakistan Armed Forces, confirmed that missiles were fired from Indian airspace, targeting Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Bahawalpur.

Speaking to media, Chaudhry said: "Let me say it unequivocally: Pakistan will respond to this at a time and place of its own choosing. This heinous provocation will not go unanswered."

The military spokesperson added that Pakistan's air defense systems were promptly activated, and no Indian aircraft managed to enter Pakistani airspace.

Major Flight Disruption Across Pakistan

In the wake of the strikes, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced a nationwide disruption of air traffic.
All domestic and international flights on the ground were put on immediate hold, and incoming as well as outgoing flights are now being diverted to Karachi, the airline said in a statement.

Passengers were urged not to approach airports and instead return home until further notice, as authorities assess the security situation and air traffic control remains on high alert.

These developments come after India announced 'Operation Sindoor', targeting what it described as terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), allegedly in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

While India claimed its operation was "focused, measured and non-escalatory", Pakistan has condemned the strike as a provocation, with casualties already reported on its side.

As both nations exchange strong words, regional and international observers are keeping a close eye on further developments that could alter the fragile balance along the volatile border.