Pakistan’s Punjab province declared a state of emergency on Wednesday following Indian missile strikes across the region. The strikes, which began shortly after midnight, hit multiple targets in Punjab cities and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to the Pakistan Army, the attacks killed at least 26 people and injured 46 others.

Officials confirmed the closure of all educational institutions across Punjab for the day. They issued orders placing all security agencies, including the Punjab police, on high alert.

"Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has declared a state of emergency across the province," a Punjab government statement said here.

The provincial administration cancelled all leave for doctors and hospital staff. It instructed all medical personnel to immediately report to duty. District administrations in every part of Punjab received instructions to remain on high alert and coordinate with relevant authorities.

The government also summoned officers and staff from departments such as Civil Defence to assist in managing the emergency. Officials emphasised that the closure of schools and other institutions was necessary to ensure public safety during this time.

Pakistan closed its airspace to all flight operations immediately following the strikes. However, authorities later began a partial reopening of air routes once initial assessments were complete.

Early on Wednesday, the Indian Armed Forces launched missile strikes on nine identified terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Indian military named the action “Operation Sindoor.” This strike came as a direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people and injured many others.

India stated that the operation targeted only terror infrastructure and avoided civilian areas. Meanwhile, Pakistan has not yet officially responded to the details of the Indian military’s operation, but confirmed casualties and emergency protocols.