Operation Sindoor: How India Forced Pakistan to Seek Ceasefire
( By Our Correspondent )
New Delhi: Within 72 hours of rejecting India’s call for de-escalation, Pakistan’s military leadership was desperately seeking a ceasefire after suffering heavy blows from Indian air strikes, ThePrint has learned.
On May 7, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) dismissed Indian Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai’s request for restraint, warning of a “severe response.” But by May 10, the situation had reversed—Pakistan was urgently reaching out to India to halt hostilities.
What Changed?
India delivered a clear message: its conventional strike capabilities could hit deep inside Pakistan with precision. Sources in the defence establishment said Pakistan realized India could escalate with a larger missile barrage if needed.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) lost multiple aircraft between May 8-10, though exact numbers remain undisclosed. Air Marshal A.K. Bharti confirmed PAF losses, stating, “We have downed a few planes… there are losses on their side.” The IAF is analyzing technical data before releasing a full report.
Operation Sindoor: Shock & Awe
Initial strikes on May 7 targeted nine terror camps. But from May 8, the focus shifted to demonstrating India’s air dominance. The IAF deployed a mix of aircraft, missiles, and loitering munitions, bypassing Pakistan’s Chinese-made air defence systems.
Key strikes included:
- Nur Khan Base (Rawalpindi) & Bholari Air Base – Major PAF logistics hubs hit.
- HQ-9B & HQ-16 systems – Neutralized by Harop drones.
- Missiles Used – BrahMos, SCALP, Hammer, and Spice 2000.
Pakistan initially downplayed damage but later admitted losses, including an AEW&C aircraft and five personnel at Bholari.
Pakistan’s Desperate Ceasefire Call
By May 10, after strikes on Chaklala, Rafiqui, and other bases, Pakistan’s DGMO urgently sought talks. “On May 7, they vowed retaliation. By May 10, they were pleading for a ceasefire,” a source said.
PM Shehbaz Sharif later confirmed the panic, revealing that Army Chief Gen Munir alerted him about ballistic missile hits at 2:30 AM that day.
India’s Cautious Transparency
Unlike Pakistan’s exaggerated claims, India has withheld some strike details pending formal confirmation. The IAF avoids unverified assertions, learning from past controversies like Balakot.
“Did we achieve our military objective? A thumping yes,” Air Marshal Bharti declared. The operation’s success lay not just in damage inflicted but in forcing Pakistan to the negotiating table.