Pakistan Accuses India of Missile Launch into Indian Territory, Red Alert Issued in Amritsar Amid Rising Tensions

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated after Pakistan's military claimed India launched six ballistic missiles from Adampur, landing in Indian territory, including Amritsar. Pakistan also reported Indian missiles targeted three air bases near Islamabad, including Nur Khan Air Base, but no casualties or damage were confirmed. The situation has led to red alerts and blackouts in Indian cities like Amritsar and Pathankot. The conflict follows a series of retaliatory strikes between the two nations, with international calls for restraint amid significant civilian casualties on both sides.

Pakistan’s Claim: Missiles Fired from India Landed in India

In a televised statement aired at 1:50 a.m. local time on Saturday, Pakistan Army spokesperson Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry claimed that India had fired six ballistic missiles from Adampur, a city in the Indian state of Punjab. According to Chaudhry, one missile struck Adampur itself, while the remaining five landed in the Amritsar region, also in Indian Punjab.

“I want to give you the shocking news that India fired six ballistic missiles from Adampur. One of the ballistic missiles hit in Adampur, the rest of the five missiles hit in Indian Punjab area of Amritsar,” Chaudhry said in a brief video statement broadcast on national television.

No evidence was provided by Pakistan to support the claim, and Indian authorities have not officially responded to the allegation. However, the statement triggered immediate concern in Amritsar, where local authorities issued a red alert.

Red Alert in Amritsar and Civilian Precautions

Following the alleged missile incident, Amritsar’s district commissioner sent out a text message urging residents to remain calm but vigilant. “Don’t panic. Siren is sounding as we are under red alert. Do not panic, as before, keep lights off, move away from windows. We will inform you when ready to resume power supply,” the message read.

The alert led to a temporary blackout in the city, with residents instructed to stay indoors and avoid exposure to windows. Similar precautionary measures were reported in other parts of Punjab, including Pathankot and Gurdaspur, where explosion-like sounds were heard early Saturday morning.

Pakistan Reports Missile Strikes Near Islamabad

In a separate development, Pakistan’s military reported that three of its air bases were targeted by Indian missiles. The bases included Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi, Murid Base, and Shorkot Base. Nur Khan, located approximately 10 kilometers from the capital Islamabad, is a key military installation used for receiving foreign dignitaries.

Military spokesperson Chaudhry stated that “a majority of the missiles” were intercepted and that “no flying assets” were damaged. Several explosions were reportedly heard in Rawalpindi and nearby areas, but no casualties have been confirmed.

According to Japanese broadcaster NHK, Pakistani officials confirmed that while multiple military facilities near Islamabad were targeted, there were no reported injuries or significant damage.

Ongoing Cross-Border Strikes and Escalation

The latest developments come amid a week of intensifying military exchanges between India and Pakistan. The conflict was reignited following an Indian airstrike on May 7 targeting what New Delhi described as “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The strike was in retaliation for an April 22 attack in Pahalgam, India-controlled Kashmir, which killed over two dozen people, mostly Hindu tourists. India has blamed Pakistan-based militant groups for the assault, a claim Islamabad denies.

Since then, both sides have engaged in a series of retaliatory actions involving drones, missiles, and artillery fire. India claims to have repelled hundreds of Pakistani drones targeting military and civilian sites across its western front, while Pakistan says it has downed dozens of Indian drones and loitering munitions.

On Friday night, Pakistan launched another wave of drone attacks targeting 26 locations across India, including Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Indian defense systems reportedly intercepted most of the drones.

Civilian Impact and International Response

The conflict has already resulted in significant civilian casualties. Pakistani officials report that more than 50 people, including children, have been killed since the initial Indian airstrikes. India’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed 16 civilian deaths on its side during cross-border exchanges.

The escalating violence has disrupted daily life in both countries. India has closed 24 airports, and Pakistan has suspended its civil aviation operations until further notice. Schools near the border have been shut down, affecting millions of students.

International actors have expressed concern over the situation. Several world powers have called for restraint and offered to mediate. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has met with both Indian and Pakistani officials in recent days in an effort to de-escalate tensions.

Conflicting Narratives and Denials

Amid the flurry of claims and counterclaims, both sides have accused each other of misinformation. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar denied Indian accusations that Islamabad had fired missiles into Amritsar, stating instead that an Indian drone had crashed in the city. “These accusations are an attempt to incite anti-Pakistan sentiment among the Punjabi Sikh population in India,” Dar said.

India, meanwhile, has accused Pakistan of using civilian aircraft as shields during drone attacks, a claim that has not been independently verified. Indian defense sources also reported intercepting eight missiles fired from Pakistan toward Indian-administered Kashmir, all of which were blocked by air defense units.

Military Readiness and Political Reactions

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level security meeting on Friday with his national security advisor, defense minister, and military chiefs. The Indian government has confirmed that it targeted Pakistani air defense systems in Lahore and other locations as part of its countermeasures.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar told parliament that Islamabad has not yet responded to India’s missile attacks but warned that a response is forthcoming. “We have only given defensive response so far! International community may take note,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

References

• Pakistan says Indian missiles strike air bases as conflict spirals
• India Pakistan Tensions Live Updates: 'India carries out retaliatory strikes after Pakistan targets 26 locations overnight' - The Times of India
• India and Pakistan trade fire and accusations as fears of a wider military confrontation rise
• Pakistan has vowed to respond after India’s missile strikes. Here’s what we know
• Pakistan says Indian military sites hit; claims India targeted 3 airbases
• パキスタン軍報道官「インド軍がミサイル攻撃」発表 | NHK