India ‘jeopardising peace and stability’: Pakistan’s PM in call with Rubio

Jammu residents witness barrage of ‘drones and missiles’ fired from Pakistan

Al Jazeera Staff, Reporting from Indian-administered Kashmir

Residents in the southern city of Jammu in India-administered Kashmir are reporting widespread panic after what they described as a barrage of “drones and missiles” fired from Pakistan, amid escalating tensions between the two countries.

People are reporting disruption to phone signals, and most of Kashmir is without electricity.

“We don’t know exactly what they were – drones or missiles – but I counted at least 40 to 45 of them from my terrace,” said Arun Singh, 37, a resident of Gandhi Nagar locality.

“It started around 8pm (14:30 GMT) and continued in three waves, each about 15 minutes apart. They looked like red flashes in the sky. But they were getting diffused in the sky and not coming down.”

Singh said he and his family initially thought they were witnessing fireworks.

“We got on the terrace thinking it was a celebration, but then the lights came from all directions. There were screams, and everyone rushed back inside their homes,” Singh told Al Jazeera.

Another resident, who lives near the Jammu airport, which is already shut due to the ongoing escalations, said he saw “white sparks” fall dangerously close to the airport.

“We don’t know what’s happening. The phone networks are down, and there is a total blackout. People are fearing the worst,” he said.

“It looks like the airport might have been a target. There was even an explosion, though we are unsure what caused it and what is happening.”

No reports of damage or casualties yet in Jammu or Indian-administered Kashmir

Al Jazeera Staff, Reporting from Indian-administered Kashmir

In Srinagar, further north in Indian-administered Kashmir, residents are also reporting disruptions in telecom services, and many people were gripped by fear and uncertainty.

“There are forces everywhere in the locality,” said Fehmeeda, a resident of Srinagar. “People are panicking and rushing to stock up on essentials.”

Several residents in Jammu told Al Jazeera that they are hearing sirens in multiple locations.

A senior official told Al Jazeera that missile interception systems had been activated around the area.

So far, there have been no confirmed reports of casualties or structural damage anywhere in Jammu as the situation is evolving.

In an advisory issued by the police in Jammu, residents were asked to switch off lights and stay indoors.

“No unnecessary vehicular movement should be taken. There is no need to panic. Authorities will have the situation under control,” the police advisory said, requesting the public not to spread rumours or unverified information.

Pakistan air force pilot captured in India: Reports

Indian media is reporting that a Pakistani air force pilot has been captured by Indian security forces after ejecting from his fighter jet over the city of Jaisalmer.

The pilot’s identity has not been disclosed, Indian outlet the Tribune said.

Sources told the outlet that the pilot was taken into custody after ejecting from the aircraft.

Pakistan attacks three military stations near Jammu and Kashmir

Three military stations in proximity to the international boundary in Jammu and Kashmir has been targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones, according to India’s military.

The military said there was no loss of life after the attack.

The Indian armed forces also said they neutralised the attack with kinetic and non-kinetic methods.

Pakistan denies attacks on Pathankot, Jaisalmer, and Srinagar: Foreign Ministry

Pakistan is denying that it launched attacks tonight in the Indian cities of Pathankot and Jaisalmer, and Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir.

“These claims are entirely unfounded, politically motivated, and part of a reckless propaganda campaign aimed at maligning Pakistan,” the country’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

“The repeated pattern of levelling accusations against Pakistan without any credible investigation reflects a deliberate strategy to manufacture a pretext for aggression and to further destabilise the region,” the statement continued.

“Such actions not only further endanger regional peace but also reveal a disturbing willingness to exploit misinformation for political and military ends.”

Islamabad further warned that any “escalation based on false pretences will be met with full resolve and determination to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

Situation in Jammu is ‘deeply disturbing’: Former chief minister

The former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, has said the situation in Jammu is deeply disturbing.

“Deeply disturbing reports are emerging from Jammu, where air strikes have reportedly hit certain areas,” Mufti said on X.

“My heart goes out to the people of Jammu especially those living along the borders who are once again caught in the terrifying uncertainty of conflict.”

India’s FM says country launched ‘targeted’ response to terrorism in call with Rubio

India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar says he has spoken to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and underlined New Delhi’s “targeted and measured response to cross-border terrorism”.

“Deeply appreciate US commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism,” he said in a post on the social media platform X.

“Will firmly counter any attempts at escalation (with Pakistan)”, he added.

India ‘jeopardising peace and stability’: Pakistan’s PM in call with Rubio

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier today received a phone call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to a news release from the prime minister’s office.

“India’s attacks had violated Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while gravely jeopardising peace and stability in the South Asia region,” Sharif was quoted as saying.

The leader stated that Pakistan will protect its sovereignty, has the right to act in self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and appreciated US President Donald Trump’s concern over the situation, the statement read.

According to the statement, Rubio noted that the US was closely following the situation in the region “as it was committed to promoting peace and stability”. He emphasised the need for both Pakistan and India to work closely to de-escalate the situation.

Rubio, in calls with leaders of both countries, “emphasised the need for immediate de-escalation”, US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said.

India closes 24 airports for passenger flight operations

India’s civil aviation ministry says 24 airports in the country will be closed for civil flights as tensions with Pakistan escalate.

The ministry has not specified the duration of the closure.

Some of the airports which are closed are in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

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