Pakistan Vows Retaliation Over Indian Missile Attacks, Downing 5 Aircraft, Citing Self-Defense Under UN Charter

Pakistan has declared its intention to retaliate against recent Indian missile attacks at a time, place, and manner of its choosing. The Pakistani military, including the Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) and the Army Chief, emphasized the country's right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. Pakistan has informed the UN Security Council of its reserved right to respond appropriately to what it describes as Indian aggression, which has resulted in the loss of innocent Pakistani lives and violations of its sovereignty. The National Security Committee of Pakistan stated that the Pakistani Armed Forces have downed five Indian fighter aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles during the ongoing conflict. The Pakistani Prime Minister's Office and military spokespersons reiterated the country's commitment to respond in defense of its sovereignty and citizens. This stance comes amid escalating tensions following Indian air strikes on targets in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, which reportedly killed 26 people.