ISLAMABAD: Three Pakistani civilians were killed on Thursday when Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) resorted to ‘unprovoked’ firing across the Line of Control (LoC) in Nakyal sector.

“Indian firing had been intense and ferocious for two hours, but the intensity has subsided now,” said Nazakat Hussain, assistant commissioner in Nakyal.

He added that a 12-year old girl, Laiba Shabbir, died in Oli village, while a 55-year old man, Sufi Amin, and a 19-year old boy, Zahid, died in Mohra Dharoti village after mortar shells landed on their homes.

The assistant commissioner added that the number of casualties could be higher, but the administration was unable to ascertain details from the vulnerable areas due to continued Indian firing.

A statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) added that Indian forces also resorted to unprovoked firing in Kotli sector.

Pakistani troops have responded in a befitting manner to Indian firing. The statement also stated that the exchange of firing continues at Nakyal and Kotli sectors.