Pakistan blamed Indian firing at the LoC for the death of seven Pakistani soldiers

In a significant escalation at the Line of Control (LoC), Pakistan blamed Indian firing at the LoC’s Bhimber (Nowshera) sector for the death of seven Pakistani soldiers overnight on Sunday; the first time in recent weeks that it has acknowledged such large scale military casualties.

The Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said that 26 civilians had been killed and 107 injured on the Pakistani side of the LoC in previous days, and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhury summoned Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale to condemn what it called the “unprovoked ceasefire violation”.

Indian Army sources said the ceasefire violation was started by Pakistan in Naushera sector on Sunday night and they had “responded appropriately”.