Operation Sindoor : Pakistan’s PM Sharif on the airstrike
In a significant escalation of tensions, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The precision strikes, executed in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, aimed to dismantle infrastructure linked to cross-border terrorism, according to India’s Ministry of Defence. The ministry emphasized that the operation was carefully calibrated, avoiding Pakistani military targets to prevent broader conflict.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the strikes as an “act of war,” asserting that his country reserves the right to deliver a robust response. In a statement posted on X, Sharif described the attacks as “cowardly” and claimed they targeted five locations within Pakistan. He vowed that the nation, backed by its armed forces, would thwart India’s “nefarious objectives.” Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, reported that the strikes hit Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Bahawalpur, resulting in three deaths and 12 injuries.
India’s Defence Ministry stated that the operation, launched at 1:44 a.m., was a direct retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed civilians, including tourists. The ministry underscored India’s commitment to holding terrorists accountable while maintaining restraint to avoid escalation. A detailed briefing on Operation Sindoor is scheduled for later on May 7, as announced by the ministry.
Bandi Sanjay Kumar, India’s Minister of State for Home Affairs, praised the operation on X, calling it “precise, ruthless, & unforgiving” and a fitting response to the Pahalgam tragedy. He expressed national pride in the armed forces, stating, “Mess with India, pay the price. Mera Bharat Mahaan. Jai Hind!”
The strikes have heightened tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, with Pakistan signaling both military and diplomatic countermeasures. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as the region braces for potential further developments.