‘Attack in the middle of the night and call it a victory’, Mahira lashes out at India

Pakistan’s star actress Mahira Khan has shared a powerful and emotional message after India launched Operation Sindoor, striking at least six targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir early Wednesday morning.

Using her social media platform, Instagram, she condemned the violence, expressed sorrow over the loss of innocent lives, and criticised the ongoing narrative being pushed by Indian authorities.

Mahira wrote on her Instagram story, "I am grateful that I live in a country where I am not dictated to say what I have to. I have a voice and I CAN use it. We speak up when there are injustices in our own land, we condemn violence wherever it happens even when my country Pakistan is instantly blamed without ANY evidence."

She continued, "India, your war and hate rhetoric has continued for many years. Have seen and experienced it with my own eyes. Your media fans the flames of division. Your most powerful voices remain silent in the face of genocide and war crimes – silenced not by law, but by Fear! And in that fear, you claim victory. But to me, that silence is your greatest defeat."

In direct criticism of the recent missile attacks, she added, "You attack cities, in the middle of the night and call it a victory? Shame on you."

Ending her statement with a heartfelt message for her homeland, she wrote, "My Pakistan, I love you. May we do the right thing. May we never stoop to that level even after this heinous provocation. May peace prevail. Ameen. Pakistan Zindabad. Pakistan Paaindabad."

Mahira’s bold stance has received overwhelming support from fans online:

"THIS IS WHY WE LOVE YOU! ♥️ Pakistan Zindabad"

"As I said, we have only 1 classy superstar! ❤️"

"Thank you for setting the bar so high. All of us look up to you. ❤️"

"Aameen...Pakistan hai tou hum hain...Pakistan nahi tou kuch bhi nahi...Allah hamary mulk ko qayamat tak salamat rakhay...Aameen ❤️❤️❤️"

"This is why you are our biggest superstar!! 🤍🇵🇰 Pakistan Zindabad"

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), India launched airstrikes shortly after midnight on several locations in Pakistan, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad. The strikes resulted in the martyrdom of at least 26 citizens and injuries to 46 others. The attack followed heightened tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where 26 Indian tourists were killed. India accused Pakistan of involvement but has yet to provide any evidence to support the claim.

In retaliation, the Pakistan Air Force shot down three Rafale jets operated by the Indian Air Force. According to international media outlets, a total of six Indian warplanes were downed in the encounter.

ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that Pakistan had responded to the Indian strikes and had downed five Indian Air Force jets, including three Rafale fighter aircraft. He also stated that an Indian Army brigade headquarters and a military post in the Dhundial sector along the Line of Control (LoC) were targeted and destroyed.