Lahore, May 07 (V7N) – A state of emergency has been declared in Pakistan’s Punjab province following India’s missile strikes on multiple targets across the region. All educational institutions have been ordered to close, and hospitals placed on high alert, according to a report by Reuters.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif made the announcement at an emergency press conference on Wednesday. She strongly condemned the Indian offensive, stating, “India may have started this, but we will finish it.”

While emphasizing that Pakistan desires peace, she warned that any war imposed on the country would be met with unified national resistance. “We want peace, but with respect. If war is forced upon us, the entire country will unite and become a force,” she declared.

In response to the emergency, all leaves of doctors and medical staff have been cancelled, and civil defense workers have been directed to report back to duty immediately.

The Indian missile strikes, carried out late Tuesday night, came amid rising tensions following a gun attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which left 26 Indian nationals dead. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack, a claim Islamabad has denied.

According to Pakistan military spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chowdhury, India struck 24 installations across six locations, including Ahmedpur Sharqia, Muridke, Sialkot, Shakargarh, and areas in Pakistan-administered Kashmir such as Kotli and Muzaffarabad.

While New Delhi has insisted that its "Operation Sindoor" targeted terrorist infrastructure only, Pakistani officials maintain that civilian areas were hit, resulting in at least 8 deaths and 35 injuries. In retaliation, Pakistan launched overnight counter-attacks, claiming to have shot down five Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets, one SU-30, one MiG-29, and a Heron drone.

The situation continues to escalate, with growing concerns over the potential for broader regional conflict.

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