Islamabad – Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to retaliate against India following the Indian Armed Forces’ Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine high-value terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The operation, carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, has escalated tensions between the two nations.
Addressing the nation, Sharif declared, “Pakistan will take revenge. We will take this war to the end. My Pakistani people, for your safety, our army and our people — we will always be united. Pakistan is most affected by terrorism.”
Key Developments:
- Operation Sindoor’s Targets: The Indian military strikes focused on terror hubs, including hideouts of top masterminds like Maulana Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed. Key locations targeted included:
- Masjid SubhanAllah in Bahawalpur, a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) hideout.
- Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) facilities in Muridke.
- Terror installations in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bagh.
- Pakistan’s Response:
- Pakistan’s National Security Committee authorized its armed forces to retaliate “at a time, place, and manner of its choosing.”
- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif hinted at de-escalation if India steps back, but also acknowledged Pakistan’s historical support for terror groups during the Cold War.
- India’s Stance: India described Operation Sindoor as a “measured, calibrated, and non-escalatory” response aimed solely at neutralizing terror threats. The operation avoided civilian and military infrastructure to prevent unnecessary escalation.
Background of the Conflict
The operation was launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, including a Nepali national. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front, a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. India’s precision strikes were carried out jointly by the Army, Air Force, and Navy, showcasing a coordinated effort to dismantle terror networks.
Regional Implications
Sharif’s strong rhetoric and Pakistan’s authorization for retaliation have raised concerns about further escalation in the region. While India has emphasized its focus on counter-terrorism, the situation remains tense, with both nations on high alert.
