Islamabad, May 7, 2025 — Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has sharply criticized India’s recent military actions, describing them as a “choreographed exercise” aimed at escalating regional tensions. This statement follows India’s missile strikes on multiple locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab, which resulted in at least 26 civilian casualties and 46 injuries.
In a press briefing, Dar revealed that Pakistan had received intelligence about a potential Indian attack around 10 PM on the night of the strikes. He emphasized that Pakistan exercised restraint, targeting only those Indian jets that released payloads, downing five in total. “If the directive had been different, nearly 10 to 12 jets would have been struck down,” Dar asserted.
The Indian government has labeled the operation “Sindoor,” claiming it targeted terrorist infrastructure linked to groups responsible for a recent attack on Indian tourists in Pahalgam. Pakistan has denied these allegations, calling the strikes an “act of war” and accusing India of targeting civilian areas, including mosques.
In response, Pakistan’s military shot down five Indian jets and conducted retaliatory airstrikes, reportedly destroying an Indian army brigade headquarters. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed a strong response, declaring a state of emergency in Punjab province.
The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged both nations to exercise maximum restraint, warning that a military confrontation between India and Pakistan could have catastrophic consequences.
As tensions continue to rise, both countries have heightened military alertness, and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation are ongoing. The global community remains hopeful that dialogue will prevail over further conflict.
