Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) on Wednesday granted the country’s armed forces full authority to respond to recent Indian military strikes, condemning the attacks as a “blatant violation” of Pakistan’s sovereignty that resulted in the loss of innocent lives.

In a strongly worded statement issued after the NSC meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government invoked Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, affirming Pakistan’s right to self-defense. The statement declared, “Pakistan reserves the right to respond, in self-defense, at a time, place, and manner of its choosing to avenge the loss of innocent Pakistani lives and blatant violation of its sovereignty.”

The NSC reviewed the escalating tensions following India’s cross-border operation, which targeted what India described as “terrorist infrastructure” within Pakistani territory. The committee approved “corresponding actions” by Pakistan’s military in response.

“The Armed Forces of Pakistan have duly been authorized to undertake corresponding actions in this regard,” the statement added, signaling a significant escalation in hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.