In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, India’s army has launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, sparking alarm and retaliatory warnings from Islamabad.
According to Pakistan’s military, the Indian forces fired missiles at three separate locations, prompting a stern response from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who labelled the strike an “act of war” and vowed a strong and calculated retaliation. “Pakistan reserves every right to respond robustly,” Sharif said in a televised statement.
The strikes follow a deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Kashmir, which India blames on Pakistan-backed militants. While Pakistan has categorically denied any involvement, India moved swiftly with military action, declaring in a post on X (formerly Twitter): “Justice is served.”
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The Indian Army has yet to release further details, but reports suggest the missile strikes were carefully coordinated to target infrastructure and alleged militant hideouts. This marks one of the most aggressive moves by India in recent years across the volatile Line of Control.
In response, Prime Minister Sharif convened a meeting of Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) at 10 a.m. local time today to determine the country’s next steps. Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed the meeting via state broadcaster Pakistan Television.
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Adding to the urgency, Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif issued a public advisory, urging residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary and to closely follow official updates. She directed hospitals, emergency responders, and government institutions to stay on high alert, preparing for any escalation.
“We want peace, but with respect. If war is imposed, the entire nation will become an army,” Maryam Nawaz said in a post on social media.
The missile strikes come at a time of heightened sensitivity in South Asia, where both India and Pakistan—nuclear-armed neighbours—share a long history of hostilities, particularly over the disputed Kashmir region. The latest exchange threatens to plunge the region into a broader conflict if cooler heads do not prevail.
Global leaders and diplomatic observers are closely watching the situation, urging both sides to exercise restraint and open channels for de-escalation.
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