Two Pakistan Army soldiers were among four persons martyred as Indian forces conducted unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC) on Saturday. The soldiers were martyred in the Nakiyal Sector in exchange of fire while targeting Indian posts undertaking firing on civilian population, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The martyred soldiers have been identified as Havaldar Abdul Rub, 31, and Naik Khuram, 31. Both of them belonged to Dera Ghazi Khan.
There are reports of casualties of Indian troops and damage to the post due to effective response by Pakistan Army, the ISPR added. According to the ISPR, the Pakistan Army gave a "befitting response by targeting Indian posts."
Two civilians were also martyred and two others got injured as Indian forces targeted civilian population in Hotspring, Tattapani and Jandrot sectors along the LoC. The injured, including a woman, were shifted to a hospital in Kotli.
"Indian troops undertook firing along LoC. Exchange of fire in Hotspring, Tatta Pani and Jandrot Sectors where India also deliberately targeted civil population," added the ISPR.
Given the prevailing situation, Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Pakistan Navy continue to be "alert and vigilant," the ISPR said.
India and Pakistan are amidst their biggest standoff in many years, with the United States and other global powers mediating to de-escalate tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
On Tuesday last, Indian warplanes dropped bombs at a hilly forest area near Pakistani town of Balakot. Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Wednesday shot down two Indian military aircraft in Pakistani airspace and captured an Indian pilot who was released on Friday as a "peace gesture" Analysts had expected the situation to de-escalate on Friday evening after Prime Minister Imran Khan handed over the captured Indian pilot to Indian authorities.