Pakistan's National Security Council Authorises Retaliation Against Operation Sindoor

Pakistan’s National Security Council (NSC) on Wednesday gave assent to the armed forces to administer a retaliation “at a time, place, and manner of its choosing” to avenge the loss of innocent Pakistani lives in Indian military strikes, as reported by PTI. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with cabinet ministers, chief ministers, all services chiefs and senior officers to take stock of the situation. 

The NSC statement cited Article 51 of the UN charter and claimed that Pakistan reserves the right of civil defence over the loss of lives of its innocent citizens. 

According to PTI, the NSC statement stated that, “The Armed Forces of Pakistan have duly been authorised to undertake corresponding actions in this regard.” 

It further asserted that the strikes carried out by India are “unprovoked” and “unlawful act of war” and called it a blatant violation of Pakistan’s territorial integrity. 

Sharif will share specific details of the meeting with the nation through his address in the parliament. 

The NSC also called for the international community to take cognisance of “India’s unprovoked illegal actions.” It also said that India attacked them on the pretext of imaginary terrorist camps resulting in the death of innocent men, children and women. The Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower project was also deliberately targeted in violation of international conventions, it claimed.

Sharif was scheduled to hold a meeting over the attack with his cabinet at 3:30 PM.