Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif Vows Fierce Retaliation

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed fierce retaliation following India’s recent military operation named Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). This escalation comes amid heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, that killed 26 people, including tourists.

What Happened in Operation Sindoor?

In the early hours of May 7, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces launched precision missile strikes on nine locations across Pakistan and PoJK. These sites were identified as terror camps linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), accused by India of orchestrating attacks on Indian soil, including the Pahalgam incident. Indian officials emphasized that the strikes were focused, measured, and deliberately avoided Pakistani military facilities to prevent escalation.

The strikes hit six Pakistani cities, including Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot, and Shakargarh in Punjab province, and Muzaffarabad and Kotli in PoJK. Reports from Pakistan indicate that at least 26 people were killed and 46 injured, including civilians, with some mosques damaged during the attacks. Pakistan claims to have shot down several Indian aircraft, though India has not confirmed this.

Pakistan’s Response and Shehbaz Sharif’s Statement

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described India’s strikes as an “act of war” and declared that Pakistan has the right to respond with a “befitting reply.” He called the terrorists neutralized in the strikes “martyrs” and promised to avenge their deaths, signaling a strong stance against India’s military action. Sharif’s remarks were intended to rally national unity and support for Pakistan’s armed forces, emphasizing that the country would not allow India to succeed in its objectives.

Following the strikes, Pakistan closed its airspace for 48 hours and convened its National Security Council to discuss the situation. The Pakistani military was authorized to undertake “corresponding actions” in response to the Indian strikes, though no specific retaliatory measures have been announced yet.

The Broader Context and Implications

Operation Sindoor was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, where 26 people, including tourists and a local ponywallah, were killed. India holds Pakistan responsible for harboring and supporting militant groups responsible for such attacks, while Pakistan denies involvement and calls for impartial investigations.

The situation has led to increased military alertness on both sides, with reports of artillery shelling and ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), resulting in civilian casualties. India has stated that its actions were measured and non-escalatory, aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure rather than provoking a broader conflict.

Final Note

The recent exchanges between India and Pakistan highlight the fragile security environment in the region, where acts of violence and retaliation can quickly escalate tensions. Both countries have deep-rooted historical conflicts and disputes over Kashmir, making any military action highly sensitive and potentially destabilizing.

Shehbaz Sharif’s vow to retaliate reflects Pakistan’s stance of defending its sovereignty and responding to what it perceives as aggression. Meanwhile, India’s Operation Sindoor underscores its commitment to targeting terror groups that threaten its security. The challenge remains for both nations to avoid further escalation that could harm civilians and regional peace.

International observers often call for restraint, dialogue, and peaceful resolution to such conflicts, emphasizing that military actions, while sometimes seen as necessary responses, carry risks of spiraling into wider confrontations. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether diplomatic efforts can prevent further violence or if the cycle of retaliation will intensify.

In summary, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vow to avenge Operation Sindoor marks a significant moment in the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. While India’s strikes targeted terror infrastructure linked to attacks on its territory, Pakistan views these as acts of war deserving a strong response. The situation remains volatile, with both nations on high alert, underscoring the urgent need for cautious diplomacy to avoid further conflict.

With inputs from agencies

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