Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called an emergency meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) for 10:00 AM on Thursday, following what he described as cowardly and unprovoked attacks on five locations within Pakistan. The strikes, widely believed to have been carried out by India, have sharply escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

In a statement posted on social media, Prime Minister Shehbaz strongly condemned the aggression, calling it a hostile act by a “deceitful enemy.” He asserted that Pakistan reserves the full right to respond to what he termed an act of war imposed by India, and confirmed that the country’s defense forces are already responding.

“The people of Pakistan and our military know well how to deal with any adversary,” the Prime Minister said, emphasizing that national morale and resolve remain high. He reaffirmed that the entire nation stands united behind the armed forces as they work to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty.

Government officials echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, warning that any attempts to destabilize Pakistan would be firmly countered and ultimately defeated. The emergency NSC meeting is expected to review the security situation and determine the country’s next steps in response to the escalating crisis.