British leaders express alarm after Indian missile strikes kill civilians in Pakistan-administered areas

Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a boiling point after India launched missile strikes across the border into Pakistan-administered Kashmir and eastern Punjab, killing at least eight people. British politicians voiced urgent concern late Tuesday night, warning the escalation could spiral into a full-blown war between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

According to Pakistani officials, the Indian military struck at least six sites early on Wednesday. The missile attacks, which Islamabad claims hit civilian areas including a mosque in Bahawalpur, injured 38 people and killed a child. In response, Pakistan’s air force claimed to have shot down two Indian jets, though details remain unclear.

India defended the strikes as “focused, measured and non-escalatory,” saying it had targeted nine locations involved in plotting terror attacks against Indian civilians. “No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted,” the Ministry of Defence said. “We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable.” The Indian Army declared on social media: “Justice is served.”

The strikes come weeks after a deadly militant attack on Indian tourists in Kashmir, which New Delhi has blamed on Pakistan-backed operatives. Islamabad has denied involvement.

In the UK, political figures across party lines called for calm. First Minister of Scotland John Swinney said he was “deeply concerned” and urged restraint. Labour MP Stella Creasy echoed the sentiment, warning: “The world cannot stand by… restraint by all concerned must be sought and secured.”

Former Conservative minister Lord Ahmad described the situation as an “alarming escalation,” adding, “The potential of a war tonight is real.” He called for urgent international mediation to prevent a wider conflict.

Zarah Sultana, Independent MP for Coventry South, went further, accusing India of violating international law. “India’s unprovoked strike on Pakistan is a violation of international law… this is reckless and a grave threat to regional peace,” she said.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice, warning against all travel within 10 kilometres of the India-Pakistan border, and 10 miles from the Line of Control, as well as Balochistan province. The notice cited Indian airstrikes and reported Pakistani artillery fire, adding that Pakistani airspace had been closed for at least 48 hours, with flights diverted. British nationals have been urged to check with airlines and stay alert to evolving government guidance.

Pakistan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said India conducted the strikes without crossing into Pakistani airspace. Other locations hit include Muridke and Kotli, both key urban areas. The interior minister for Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Waqar Noor, stated that at least one child was killed and multiple missiles landed near civilian homes.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed retaliation, labelling the Indian strikes “cowardly” and declaring: “We will never let the enemy succeed in its nefarious objectives.” He warned that Pakistan would “respond robustly” to what he called “an act of war imposed by India.”

As military activity escalates, with exchanges of gunfire and artillery reported across the Line of Control, the risk of uncontrolled conflict looms large. Both India and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons and have a long history of border skirmishes and full-scale warfare over the disputed region of Kashmir.

The international community has yet to fully weigh in, but with major powers closely monitoring developments, diplomatic efforts are likely to intensify in the coming days.