Pakistan Responds Strongly to India's Operation Sindoor

Official Government Response

Immediately after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, Pakistan's government issued a strong and categorical condemnation, labeling the strikes a “blatant act of aggression” and a “serious violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.”

Key points from Pakistan's official statements:

• Described the air and missile strikes as “unprovoked and unjustified.”

• Claimed that India was using the Pahalgam attack as a pretext to destabilize the region.

• Accused India of “orchestrating a false-flag operation” in Kashmir to justify cross-border military action.

• Warned that any further aggression would be met with a “resolute and proportionate” response.

Military Response and Claims

The Pakistan Armed Forces, through Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), issued multiple updates:

• Claimed to have detected and intercepted Indian aircraft within minutes of the strikes.

• Reported that 5 Indian aircraft were shot down, including two near the Line of Control (LoC).

• Confirmed that 6 Pakistani military sites were hit, resulting in 8 deaths and 35 injuries, while two personnel were reported missing.

• Initiated heavy retaliatory shelling along the LoC in Jammu & Kashmir.

The ISPR emphasized that Pakistan’s air defense and retaliatory capability remained intact and warned of the potential for “full-spectrum response” if India escalated further.

Statements from Pakistani Political Leadership

PM Shehbaz Sharif:

• Convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC).

• Declared that Pakistan will raise the issue at the United Nations and seek diplomatic intervention.

• Called India's action “reckless brinkmanship that threatens peace in South Asia.”

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari:

• Announced a formal diplomatic protest and summoned Indian High Commission officials in Islamabad.

• Engaged with China, Turkey, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to build international pressure against India.

• Asserted that Pakistan would suspend all peace talks and confidence-building measures with India.

Airspace and Border Measures

In response to the operation:

• Pakistan completely closed its airspace to Indian flights.

• Deployed troops along sensitive LoC sectors and moved defense assets to strategic locations.

• Declared a “high alert” status across all airbases and forward installations.

Public Sentiment and Media Response

Pakistani media portrayed Operation Sindoor as:

• “A dangerous Indian military misadventure.”

• “Modi’s election stunt” – suggesting it was timed for political mileage ahead of Indian elections.

• TV channels ran wall-to-wall coverage of the attacks, casualties, and Pakistan's retaliation.

• Analysts on mainstream channels like ARY News, Dunya TV, and Geo News called for a strong and sustained diplomatic counter-offensive, while urging restraint to avoid full-scale war.

Civilian Reaction:

• Social media in Pakistan exploded with hashtags like #IndiaAttacks, #PakArmyZindabad, and #StopIndianAggression.

• Citizens gathered in rallies and held prayers for soldiers at mosques.

• Nationalistic fervor surged, but a few liberal voices urged both governments to de-escalate and avoid civilian suffering.

International Lobbying and Diplomatic Steps

Pakistan:

• Suspended trade and diplomatic ties with India, including revoking agreements under the Simla Agreement.

• Formally reached out to the United Nations Security Council and Human Rights Council.

• Requested emergency talks with China and Saudi Arabia, both close allies.

Pakistani diplomats at the UN accused India of:

• Violating international norms and UN resolutions on Kashmir.

• Jeopardizing regional stability and nuclear deterrence frameworks.

Summary of Pakistan's Core Reaction Themes:

Conclusion

Pakistan’s response to Operation Sindoor has been firm, multifaceted, and confrontational, both in tone and action. With diplomatic channels closed, military tensions rising, and both nations reinforcing their borders, the region once again teeters on the edge of a dangerous escalation.

Pakistan has positioned itself as a victim of Indian aggression while simultaneously projecting military readiness and global outreach. The international community now watches closely to see whether the subcontinent can pull back from the brink—or edge closer to another historic conflict.