The shooting exchange occurred at the militarized border in disputed Kashmir on Friday night. India's army claims to have been subjected to "unprovoked" gunfire from "several" Pakistani military outposts and to have responded in an "adequate" manner.
There are no reports of anyone being injured.
Independent investigation?
Tensions between neighboring countries India and Pakistan have intensified since 26 people were killed in an attack near the popular tourist resort of Pahalgam in Indian Kashmir on Tuesday. The attack is described as one of the deadliest in the region in 25 years.
India blames Pakistan for supporting "cross-border terrorism", while Pakistan denies having had anything to do with the events.
In light of the allegations, Shehbaz Sharif says that Pakistan's military is "ready to defend the country's sovereignty" but is also open to an independent investigation of the attack.
Pakistan is open to participating in all neutral, transparent, and credible investigations, he says during a speech at a military academy.
Iran's Foreign Ministry has also announced that the country is ready to mediate, after Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke by phone with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar.
Withdrawing visa services
On Friday, Pakistan's Senate unanimously adopted a resolution rejecting India's allegations. Both countries have downgraded their diplomatic relations, withdrawn visa services, restricted trade, and closed border crossings.
Pakistan has not commented on Saturday's shooting exchange, but both countries have previously confirmed that they have fired at each other.
India and Pakistan control their respective parts of the scenic mountain region of Kashmir, but both claim sovereignty over the entire area. Since 1989, mainly Muslim rebel groups, seeking independence or merger with Pakistan, have fought against Indian rule. India repeatedly accuses Pakistan of supporting the rebel groups.
