ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee has confirmed that 40 civilians, including seven women and 15 children, were killed, and 120 others injured in the Indian armed forces’ unprovoked cross-border aggression that began on May 6, 2025. Eleven personnel of Pakistan’s armed forces also lost their lives, while 78 sustained injuries.
The figures were shared during a meeting of the Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming, chaired by Dr. Nafisa Shah. Officials from the Ministry of Interior briefed the committee on the situation and confirmed that the Prime Minister approved a compensation package for both civilian and military victims. Under this package, the federal government disbursed Rs. 948 million to families of the deceased and injured.
In response to the emergency, the Ministry of National Health Services (NHSR&C) informed the committee that it had established the National Health Emergency Center (NHEC) at the National Institute of Health on May 8, 2025. The NHEC was tasked with centralizing health information, managing critical supplies and personnel, coordinating emergency response, and supporting provincial and district health authorities.
The NHEC directed hospitals in Islamabad to remain on high alert around the clock. Focal persons were nominated to oversee preparedness, which included the development of a national health contingency plan, a data-sharing system for injury tracking, and a psychological support strategy focused on women and children.
The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) also briefed the committee on emergency measures for civilian casualties. These included the creation of a disaster ward, allocation of specialized beds, provision of continuous medical services, critical care units, emergency medical supplies, and readiness of the blood bank.
Committee members strongly condemned the cross-border attacks and called for long-term measures, including the establishment of trauma centers and support services for displaced persons.
A resolution of condemnation was unanimously adopted, denouncing India’s targeting of civilian populations and citing violations of international law. The resolution also called on the international community, including the UN and OIC, to investigate India’s actions and ensure accountability.
The committee further recommended the creation of a National Framework on Women, Peace, and Security, including provisions for women’s participation in peacebuilding, protection against violence, and access to relief and rehabilitation in conflict zones.
Additionally, a sub-committee was formed to review Pakistan’s family and inheritance laws, comprising Senator Saadia Abbasi (Convener), and MNAs Munaza Hassan, Shahida Rehmani, and Shahida Begum. The sub-committee will submit its report within a month.