Indian Missile Strike Targets Terror In Pakistan, Pak Deputy PM Calls It 'Act of War'
On May 7, 2025, India launched a major missile strike-codenamed Operation Sindoor-targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which India described as "terrorist infrastructure" linked to groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. The operation was a direct response to a
deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22,
which killed 26 Indian and one Nepali tourist. India accused Pakistan-based
militants of orchestrating the attack, an allegation Pakistan denies.
Details of the Strike
Targets: Indian missiles struck locations in the Punjab province (including
Bahawalpur and Muridke) and in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (Muzaffarabad and
Kotli).
Execution: The strikes were carried out using standoff weapons, reportedly
without Indian aircraft entering Pakistani airspace.
Duration: 24 missiles were launched in about 25 minutes.
Casualties: Pakistan reported at least 26 civilian deaths, including children,
and 46 injured, with mosques among the structures hit. India maintains it
targeted only terror camps and avoided civilian or military facilities.
Pakistani Response
Official Reaction: Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister,
Ishaq Dar, condemned the strikes as an "unprovoked and blatant act of war,"
claiming a violation of sovereignty and international law. He warned that
Pakistan reserves the right to respond "at a time and place of its choosing".
Military Posture: Pakistan scrambled its air force jets and claimed to have
downed five Indian aircraft, a claim not confirmed by India.
Retaliation: Pakistan's leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
and Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, vowed retaliation and convened an
emergency National Security Committee meeting. The government declared a state
of emergency in affected areas, closed schools, and placed security forces on
high alert.
International Reaction
United States: President Donald Trump described the development as "expected"
and urged a swift end to hostilities, while the US State Department and UN
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint and warned against
escalation.
Global Concern: There is widespread alarm over the risk of a broader military
confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
| Issue | Indian Position | Pakistani Position |
|---|---|---|
| Target Selection | Only terror camps, no civilian or military targets | Civilian areas and mosques hit, 26 civilians killed |
| Justification | Response to Pahalgam terror attack, focused and non-escalatory | Unprovoked act of war, violation of sovereignty and international law |
| Retaliation | Proportionate response to cross-border shelling by Pakistan | Vows of retaliation, claims to have shot down Indian aircraft |
The strikes mark the most significant escalation between India and Pakistan in
over two decades, with both sides trading accusations and preparing for
possible further military action. The situation remains extremely volatile,
with international actors urging restraint to prevent a broader conflict.
ANI
