Key points
- India launched midnight airstrikes, dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” on civilian areas in Pakistan, killing 26 and injuring 46.
- Pakistan swiftly retaliated by downing five Indian jets and destroying military posts along the LoC
- Several mosques and residential areas were hit, intensifying public outrage across Pakistan
- Pakistani celebrities condemned the attacks, expressing grief, anger, and solidarity with the victims despite social media restrictions
- National unity was reflected through emotional appeals by stars like Mahira Khan, Hania Amir, and Fawad Khan, calling for peace and humanity
ISLAMABAD: Tensions between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan escalated sharply in the early hours of Wednesday, after India launched a series of midnight airstrikes on civilian areas across Pakistani territory. The attacks—carried out under the “Operation Sindoor”— on locations in Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad, resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians and injuries to 46 others, many of them women and children.
In response, Pakistan’s military swiftly retaliated, downing five Indian fighter jets—including advanced Rafale and MiG aircraft—and destroying an Indian brigade headquarters along with several army posts near the Line of Control (LoC).
As Pakistan reeled from the deadly strikes, celebrities led a surge of condemnation on social media, expressing grief and outrage. Despite Indian authorities blocking many of their accounts, prominent entertainment figures stood in solidarity with victims, denouncing the attacks as cowardly and unjust, saying India now tastes its own medicine.
Leading actress Hania Amir expressed her heartbreak in an Instagram Story: “I don’t have fancy words right now. I just have anger, pain, and a heavy heart. A child is gone. Families are shattered. And for what? This is not how you protect anyone. This is cruelty – plain and simple.”
Veteran star Mahira Khan, known for her global appeal, called the attack “seriously cowardly” and prayed for the safety of her country. “May Allah protect our country, may better sense prevail. Ameen,” she wrote.
Sisters Urwa and Mawra Hocane, both active voices on social issues, also reacted strongly. Urwa took to Instagram to write: “We are not fighting a war enemy at the moment! We are fighting a petty neighbour with a small, egocentric mindset trying to validate fake propaganda for a political campaign.”
The strikes—launched from within Indian airspace—targeted seven locations including Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad. Notably, several mosques were hit, with residential structures severely damaged in the surrounding areas.
Responding swiftly, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that five Indian aircraft were downed, including three French-made Rafales, one Su-30MKI, and one MiG-29. The Pakistan Armed Forces also destroyed an Indian brigade headquarters and a checkpost along the Line of Control (LoC).
In a moving gesture of national unity, Ayeza Khan posted a historical clip of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah reaffirming religious freedom in Pakistan. “Pakistan Zindabad. We have shown great strength bravely, calmly, and unitedly,” she wrote. “May Allah bless humanity, and may peace prevail above all.”
Renowned actor Fawad Khan struck a sombre tone, urging restraint. “My deepest condolences to the families of those injured and killed,” he wrote. “A respectful request to all: stop stoking the flames with rabble-rousing words. It is not worth the lives of innocent people.”
From Fahad Mustafa to Ushna Shah, from Hina Altaf to Minal Khan, the message was unified: condemnation of the violence, prayers for the martyred, and hope for peace amid rising tensions.
As diplomatic lines remain icy and global powers watch with concern, Pakistan’s cultural icons have made it clear—this is a moment of resistance and resilience.
