Pakistan will respond to India's attack, but if the neighboring country stops its aggression, Islamabad is ready to refrain from military escalation. This was stated by Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif.
The minister responded to a question about how far Pakistan is willing to go in the next armed conflict.
We have not initiated any hostile actions against India in the last two weeks, we have been saying tirelessly. But if they attack us, we will respond. If India retreats, we will clearly stop this escalation, he said.
Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that the country's response to India's attack was "appropriate and comprehensive." He emphasized that military targets directly involved in operations against Pakistan and Indian aircraft were targeted.
Indian officials launched "Operation Sindur" late on the night of May 7, attacking "terrorist" infrastructure in Pakistan and the Pakistani part of Kashmir. According to a statement from the Indian Ministry of Defense, the army struck nine targets in Pakistan. These include facilities in Bahawalpur, Muzaffarabad, Sialkot, Kotli, Muridke, and other cities. It was stated that "not a single object of the Pakistan armed forces was targeted" in the attack.
However, the Pakistan army reported that the strikes were not aimed at terrorists but at areas inhabited by civilians. The country closed its airspace for 48 hours. As a result of the Indian attack, at least 26 people were killed, and 46 were injured.
In response, Pakistan launched strikes into Indian territory. Damage was inflicted on Indian posts along the Line of Control in Kashmir. A white flag was raised by Indian military personnel. Pakistan announced that it had shot down five Indian Air Force fighter jets.
Pakistan and India Relations
Relations between the two countries escalated due to a terrorist attack that occurred on April 22 in the Pahalgam area of Kashmir. As a result of the attack, 26 people were killed. Armed individuals opened fire on local residents and tourists. India accused Pakistan of supporting this attack. Pakistan denied this allegation and demanded an investigation.
India suspended the 1960 water treaty with Pakistan, halting the flow of water along the border. Pakistan stated that this is tantamount to declaring war. The country limited diplomatic and trade relations with India, closed its airspace, and halted trade relations.
There has been an increase in small arms clashes and missile tests along the border. Pakistan tested a short-range Fatah missile, while India intensified security exercises. The international community, including the United States, called on both sides to refrain from escalating the conflict and to restore diplomatic channels.
