Pakistan to launch missile forces amid rising tensions with India

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced plans to establish missile forces as a new branch of the country’s armed forces, describing the move as a key step in enhancing Pakistan’s defence capabilities.
Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad, held to commemorate Pakistan’s historical conflict with India ahead of Independence Day on 14 August, Prime Minister Sharif said the creation of missile forces would mark a “turning point” for the nation’s military strength.
Sharif also urged political parties, stakeholders, and civil society to join the newly proposed ‘Pakistan Stability Pact’, aimed at fostering national unity and collective progress. “It is time to move beyond political divisions and personal interests,” he emphasized.
The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India. Earlier this year, on 22 April, an armed attack in Indian-administered Kashmir escalated hostilities between the two countries. India accused Pakistan of involvement, which Islamabad denied.
The situation intensified on the night of 7 May when the Indian army launched Operation Sindoor, targeting infrastructure facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. Pakistan responded with retaliatory strikes, with both sides employing missiles, drones, and fighter jets during the exchange.
Following the escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on 10 May that India and Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire, easing immediate tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
Prime Minister Sharif’s announcement signals a continued focus on strengthening Pakistan’s military preparedness while calling for national unity to navigate regional security challenges. (ILKHA)
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