Operation Sindoor: Pakistan confirms civilian deaths after Indian missile strikes; PM Shehbaz Sharif warns of retaliation

What Happened During Operation Sindoor on May 7?

India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of 7 May 2025, targeting nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to Indian defence officials, the action was in direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 Indian soldiers and civilians dead. The Indian military stated that the strikes were focused exclusively on terror training infrastructure run by Pakistan-based groups including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a briefing that the mission was a “limited, precision, non-military operation” designed to avoid civilian casualties and convey a firm counter-terror posture. Indian officials said the strike had received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi following high-level intelligence assessments and satellite surveillance.

Within hours of the operation, Pakistan confirmed that several missiles had struck urban and semi-urban zones including Bahawalpur, Muzaffarabad, and Kotli. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry termed the attacks “an act of aggression and war,” and warned of a “timely and proportionate” response.

Where Were the Strikes and What Were the Reported Impacts?

Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that Indian munitions impacted civilian areas including a mosque and residential blocks in Bahawalpur, resulting in eight civilian deaths and 35 injuries. Among the dead were reportedly three women and one child. Pakistani rescue agencies were deployed to the affected areas within hours, and hospitals in Multan and Rawalpindi received casualties through emergency corridors.

Footage released by local Pakistani media appeared to show damaged structures, burning debris, and craters, although the Indian government has not acknowledged any targeting of civilian locations. Independent verification of damage is currently limited due to restricted access to the affected regions.

The Indian Air Force has not confirmed the specific assets used, but analysts suggest that Rafale jets, Heron drones, and long-range cruise missiles may have been employed in the operation.

Why Did India Launch This Operation Now?

Operation Sindoor marks the first cross-border military action by India since 2019’s Balakot airstrikes, and reflects a growing assertiveness in New Delhi’s counter-terrorism doctrine. According to statements from Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in prior public briefings, the Indian state reserves the right to strike “emerging threats” even across international borders if pre-emptive evidence of a planned attack exists.

The Pahalgam attack on April 22 was one of the deadliest in recent years and came just weeks before India’s general elections. The Indian government said forensic, human, and signals intelligence all pointed to cross-border origins of the attack, including intercepted communications allegedly tying the operation to camps in PoK.

A senior Indian official told state broadcaster Doordarshan that Operation Sindoor was not just retributive but also designed to “disrupt future attacks planned during India’s election period.”

How Did Pakistan Respond Politically and Militarily?

Shortly after the strikes, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the National Assembly in Islamabad, stating that “India’s attack is a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and will be met with a full-spectrum response.” He added that the Pakistani armed forces “know how to deal with this enemy” and reaffirmed military preparedness across all branches.

Pakistan also announced the suspension of all diplomatic engagements with India, expelled India’s Deputy High Commissioner, and suspended bilateral visa and trade services. The Pakistani military was placed on high alert, and additional air defence systems were reportedly deployed across key military installations.

On the military front, Pakistan’s ISPR claimed that it had intercepted and destroyed two Indian aircraft and that a retaliatory action had been launched near the Sialkot sector. These claims have not been verified by Indian officials or independent observers. India’s Ministry of Defence has stated it is “monitoring misinformation” and that no Indian military assets were lost in the operation.

What Is the Global Reaction to the Operation?

The United Nations called for restraint, with Secretary-General António Guterres urging both countries to resolve the crisis diplomatically. “We urge both governments to prioritise de-escalation in the interest of regional stability,” Guterres’ office said in a statement issued late on 6 May.

The United States expressed concern through the State Department, stating that Washington was “closely watching the developments” and remained in contact with both New Delhi and Islamabad. President Donald Trump, via a post on Truth Social, said he hoped “cooler heads prevail,” adding that the U.S. was “ready to assist in mediation if requested.”

China issued a neutral statement, expressing concern and asking both nations to avoid escalation. Russia called for a UN Security Council meeting if tensions persist. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned India’s action and called for a fact-finding mission into the Kashmir region.

What Is the Risk of Escalation Between India and Pakistan?

Security experts warn that the situation could spiral into a broader military confrontation if diplomatic channels remain closed. Troop mobilisations on both sides of the Line of Control have increased, and reconnaissance flights from both Indian and Pakistani air forces have intensified since the attack. However, no confirmed large-scale ground movements have been reported as of this writing.

India’s armed forces have been placed on high alert, and air defence commands in Punjab and Jammu have been instructed to maintain full readiness. The Indian Navy is reportedly conducting heightened maritime surveillance along the western seaboard.

Pakistan has activated its National Security Committee and reportedly reached out to key allies including China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to brief them on the situation.

Observers from the South Asia Institute for Strategic Affairs stated that this escalation poses the most serious bilateral military threat since the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2019 Balakot-Pulwama exchange. If both sides continue to rely on force-based messaging without diplomatic pathways, the crisis could evolve unpredictably.

Has There Been Any Movement Towards De-escalation?

As of the early hours of 7 May, there have been no confirmed backchannel engagements. However, diplomatic sources in New York indicated that the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have offered to mediate informally. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not issued any statement regarding third-party mediation, while Pakistan’s foreign office has said it is “open to peaceful conflict resolution, provided India ceases its military adventurism.”

India’s stock markets opened with sharp losses, led by defence and banking sectors, reflecting investor unease about the potential fallout. Energy markets also showed signs of stress due to potential disruptions in South Asian trade routes.

What Comes Next in the Indo-Pak Conflict Cycle?

The situation remains fluid and highly sensitive. With Pakistan vowing retaliation and India maintaining its right to conduct counter-terror strikes, the possibility of a tit-for-tat cycle is significant. Analysts believe that much will depend on how each side manages domestic political pressure and international diplomatic messaging.

The coming days are likely to see intensified surveillance, cyber operations, diplomatic lobbying at multilateral forums, and potentially further limited engagements at the LoC. International observers are monitoring developments closely for signs of breakthrough talks or further escalation.