Islamabad, May 8 (V7N) — The death toll from India’s reported missile strikes and cross-border shelling in Pakistan has risen to 31, with at least 57 others injured, according to a statement by a spokesperson for the Pakistan Armed Forces. The attacks, which Pakistan claims were deliberate and coordinated, targeted multiple locations across Punjab province and Azad Kashmir in the early hours of Tuesday night.

The military operation, which Indian forces have reportedly named "Operation Sindoor", began shortly after 1:00 AM local time. According to Pakistani officials, the strikes hit both civilian and military-linked infrastructure, causing significant damage and triggering emergency responses in the affected areas.

Pakistan's military described the assault as "unprovoked" and a "blatant violation of international law and territorial sovereignty." The spokesperson further stated that emergency medical teams, rescue workers, and local law enforcement agencies had been deployed to the affected zones, where rescue and recovery operations were still ongoing.

The Pakistani government has condemned the strikes in the strongest possible terms and has called for an emergency session of its National Security Council. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, in a televised address earlier, vowed retaliation, stating, “Every drop of blood shed by innocent Pakistanis will be avenged. Pakistan reserves the right to defend itself.”

India has yet to officially confirm or deny the operation. However, regional analysts suggest the strikes may be in response to recent security incidents along the Line of Control (LoC), which New Delhi has attributed to militants allegedly backed by Pakistan-based groups.

The international community has begun voicing concern over the rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations. Several global powers, including the United Nations, have called for restraint and urged both countries to seek diplomatic solutions through dialogue.

This latest escalation threatens to destabilize the already fragile peace in South Asia and raises fears of a broader military conflict.

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