Pakistan launches Operation Bunyanun Marsoos in response to Indian strikes

Pakistan has launched a major military campaign code-named Operation Bunyanun Marsoos, which means concrete structure, in response to continued Indian provocations, Xinhua reported, citing Pakistani official sources.

Multiple targets across India are being engaged under the operation, with the BrahMos missile storage facility in the Indian city of Beas reportedly destroyed in the initial strike, the sources said. 

Pakistan claims it has knocked out 70 percent of India's power grid in a cyberattack, Pakistan-based Geo News reported, citing security sources.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called an emergency meeting of the National Command Authority on Saturday to deliberate potential responses involving the country's missile and nuclear capabilities, Xinhua News Agency reported, citing Pakistani state television.

Earlier, a spokesperson for the Pakistani army said India had launched air-to-surface missiles at three air bases in Pakistan, but all strategic assets of the Pakistan Air Force remained safe in the attack.

India carried out missile and drone strikes targeting multiple Pakistani military installations in Punjab province, including Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi district near the capital city of Islamabad, Murid Air Base in Chakwal district, and Shorkot Air Base in Jhang district, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of Pakistani army, said.

He claimed that India also launched drone and missile strikes in Afghanistan.

"These unprovoked and reckless acts demonstrate India's madness and treacherous nature," the officer said, adding that "through its continued aggression, India is pushing the region towards a dangerous and unnecessary conflict. Now you just wait for our response," said Chaudhry.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam in Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22.

On Friday, the two countries traded blame for deadly drone attacks.

Around 48 people have been killed since Wednesday, according to casualty estimates on both sides of the border that have not been independently verified.

Tourists and villagers fled border zones, residents rushed to stockpile food and people were told to stay indoors in cities in Kashmir and beyond. India's cricket board on Friday suspended the IPL – the sport's richest tournament – and the Pakistan Super League postponed its remaining eight matches.

India's Directorate General of Shipping directed all ports, terminals and shipyards to increase security, amid "growing concerns regarding potential threats."

Indian shares fell for a second straight session on Friday, losing about $83 billion in market value, with both key stock indexes losing 1.1 percent.

Pakistan's benchmark share index closed 3.52 percent higher with traders crediting a fall off in violence in Pakistani territory after Thursday's clashes.

Many countries and international organizations have urged maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan and called on them to engage in direct dialogue amid rising hostilities between the two Asian neighbors.

(With input from agencies)