According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz received a phone call from the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday. He appreciated President Trump’s concern over the current security situation in South Asia.

PM Sharif reiterated the resolve to defend the Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

PM Shehbaz strongly condemned India’s missile and drone strikes, which caused 31 innocent civilians casualties, injured 57 and damaged civilian infrastructure, read the statement.

He added that India’s attacks had violated Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while gravely jeopardising peace and stability in the South Asia region.

He said that the people of Pakistan were outraged by India’s unprovoked acts of war, according to the PMO’s statement.

Also Read: Pakistan vows inevitable retaliation after India’s unprovoked drone attacks

US Secretary of State Rubio said that the U.S. was closely following the situation in South Asia as it was committed to promoting peace and stability in the region.

“The Secretary emphasised the need for immediate de-escalation. He expressed US support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications,” read a statement by the US State Department.

India launched airstrike on Pakistan and AJK early Wednesday morning — an attack that Islamabad called a “blatant act of war.”

Pakistan said six Pakistani locations were targeted. At least 31 civilians, including children were embraced martyrdom and 57 sustained injuries after India launched an unprovoked attack.

In retaliation, the Pakistan armed forces shot down five Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, seven drones, destroyed a brigade headquarters and a number of checkposts along the Line of Control (LoC).