Live updates on Pakistan-India clash

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid a visit to the frontline areas of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos during the ongoing Maarka-e-Haq (Battle for Truth), reaffirming his support and solidarity with the armed forces of Pakistan.

During his visit to the Pasrur Garrison near Sialkot, the prime minister met with officers and soldiers actively participating in the military operation, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.

The premier praised their unwavering dedication and valor in defending the nation’s sovereignty.

In a show of continued support for all branches of the military, PM Shehbaz is scheduled to visit various air bases and naval bases in the coming days to meet with personnel from the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy.

State television will broadcast the prime minister’s address to officers and soldiers at Pasrur Garrison this evening, described as a historic interaction with the nation’s defenders. 

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi to inquire about Tauqeer Abbas, who was injured in an Indian drone attack near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Abbas is the cousin of Ali Haider, the only brother of eight sisters, who was martyred in the attack.

Minister Naqvi praised Tauqeer’s courage and spoke with doctors about the treatment of his injured eye.

He directed the hospital staff to provide the best medical care and assured that every effort would be made to save Abbas' eye.

The minister also offered a special prayer for his quick recovery.

Naqvi said that Pakistan’s victory was made possible due to the sacrifices of its martyrs.

Haider, Abbas, and another cousin, Manzoor Faisal, used to sell cheeseburgers outside the cricket stadium to support their family.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has reported that two more members of the Pakistan Armed Forces have been killed, bringing the total number of martyred personnel to 13, with 78 others injured, following a "blatant and cowardly aggression" by Indian Armed Forces.

According to the ISPR press release, the alleged aggression occurred on the night of May 6-7, and targeted "innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly."

The ISPR identified the latest martyrs as Havaldar Muhammad Naveed of the Pakistan Army and Senior Technician Muhammad Ayaz of the Pakistan Air Force. The statement emphasised their "exemplary courage and unwavering resolve" in defending the nation.

"Their noble sacrifice stands as a timeless testament to their courage, devotion to duty, and unshakeable patriotism," the ISPR said.

Pakistan has expanded the global market for Chinese weaponry, causing unease within the anti-China bloc, Bloomberg reported.

The market capitalisation of the company manufacturing the J-10C jets, the fighters Pakistan used to shoot down Indian Rafales, has increased by $7.6 billion, according to the report. Analysts noted that the market value of the J-10C now surpasses the value of Pakistan’s recent loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Bloomberg further stated that Chinese weapons will now be available to major countries, rather than a limited group of select nations.

In addition, the report noted that opponents of China are now showing interest in the PL-25 missile system.

The Ministry of Climate Change has denied issuing a fake document titled “Radiological Safety Bulletin” circulating on social media, urging the public to disregard it.

In an official statement, on Wednesday a ministry spokesperson clarified, “The ministry has not issued any such letter or bulletin. The language and style of the fake document do not match the ministry’s standard drafting protocols.”

The spokesperson further appealed to citizens to avoid sharing the misleading content, stating, “We urge the public to ignore this fake letter and refrain from spreading it. Always verify information through official, authenticated sources before sharing.”

The ministry also warned against the dangers of spreading unverified news on social media, emphasizing the need for responsible information consumption.

The Indian government has reportedly blocked the social media account of Turkey’s state-run broadcaster within the country, according to Indian media sources.

The move comes amid after Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan's statement of openly showing support for Pakistan amid tensions with India. The Indian citizens are reportedly actively boycotting Turkish products.

In addition, reports suggest that Turkey is being increasingly overlooked by Indian travellers as a tourist destination.

Indian media also reported that the social media accounts of two Chinese state media outlets have been blocked within India, further indicating a tightening stance against certain foreign media operations.

Pakistan and India on Wednesday exchanged one prisoner each at the Wagah-Attari border post, security sources said.

According to the sources, Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel Pranam Kumar Shah was handed over to Indian authorities by Pakistani officials. In return, Punjab Rangers' Mohammadullah was handed over to Pakistani authorities.

The exchange was carried out at the Wagah-Attari post as confirmed by security sources.

It is worth noting that following the ceasefire understanding between the two countries, the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) had made contact on May 12 and agreed to maintain the ceasefire.

The federal government has directed all provinces, including Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), to compile a comprehensive report on the damage caused by recent Indian attacks, according to sources.

The directive was issued by the Prime Minister’s Secretariat and circulated across provincial administrations, instructing local authorities to gather detailed information on human and infrastructural losses. District deputy commissioners have been tasked with preparing the assessments, which will include damage to homes, schools, hospitals, and civil infrastructure.

Sources added that the report should also document casualties and injuries resulting from the attacks. Once compiled, the findings will be shared with both national and international bodies. The report will form the basis for planning and executing rehabilitation efforts in affected areas

A senior Indian minister has sparked controversy after making a derogatory statement linking Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a decorated officer of the Indian Army, to those behind the Pahalgam attack. The remark, made by Madhya Pradesh’s BJP minister Kunwar Vijay Shah during a public event in Raikunda village, has drawn sharp condemnation across India.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Shah referred to Colonel Qureshi as a “sister” of the Pahalgam attackers while discussing “Operation Sindoor,” an Indian military action linked to the recent tensions with Pakistan. His inflammatory remark drew applause from some in the crowd but outrage from political opponents.

The opposition Congress party swiftly condemned the statement. Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari criticised Shah for using communal and gendered language against a serving military officer for political gain. Sharing a video of the speech, Patwari demanded Shah’s resignation and called on the BJP to clarify its stance on the issue.