India Launches Missile Strikes on Pakistan; Global Calls for De-Escalation Intensify
Islamabad, May 10, 2025
India Launches Missile Strikes on Pakistan In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, India launched missile strikes targeting three Pakistani airbases and civilian areas in Indian Punjab overnight, sparking fears of a full-scale conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan’s military leadership vowed retaliation, while global powers urged restraint to avert a regional crisis.
Key Developments of India Launches Missile Strikes on Pakistan
Indian Missile Strikes:
Airbase Attacks: India fired air-to-surface missiles at Pakistan’s Nur Khan Airbase (Islamabad), Murid Airbase (Chakwal), and Shorkot Airbase (Jhang) early Saturday. Pakistan’s military confirmed no significant damage to critical assets.
Civilian Casualties in Indian Punjab: Six ballistic missiles fired by India from Adampur Airbase struck Amritsar, a Sikh-majority city in Indian Punjab. Five missiles hit residential areas, killing at least 33 civilians and injuring 62, according to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Pakistan’s Response:
Retaliatory Strikes: Pakistan’s military destroyed three Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kellar and Rakh Chaqri sectors, including Meheree, Dana Top, and Mound posts.
Drone Interceptions: Pakistan reported shooting down 77 Indian drones since May 8, with 48 destroyed in the last 24 hours.
Air Combat: A dogfight between Indian and Pakistani jets lasted over an hour, with Pakistan deploying JF-17 Thunder, F-16, and J-10C aircraft. The ISPR claimed 14 Indian Rafale jets were electronically identified during the engagement.
Military Briefing: ISPR Accuses India of Aggression
In a press conference flanked by senior officers, ISPR Director General Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry condemned India’s actions:
On Targeting Sikhs: “India is pursuing nefarious designs by attacking its own Sikh population. This insanity defies logic.”
Electronic Evidence: Chaudhry showcased intercepted communications between Indian Rafale pilots and emphasized that “modern warfare leaves digital traces,” dismissing Indian claims of Pakistani drone strikes as “fabricated.”
Nuclear Risks: “India’s reckless actions have pushed two nuclear states to the brink. The world must act before it’s too late.”
PAF’s Stance:
A senior Pakistan Air Force officer revealed the military shifted from deterrence to an “assure kill” strategy once Indian jets crossed into Pakistani airspace. “Our operational competence, not just equipment, ensured zero combat casualties,” he asserted.
Civilian Toll and Regional Fallout
Azad Kashmir Shelling: Indian artillery fire killed five civilians, including a two-year-old girl, in Kotli and Bagh districts. Twelve others were injured.
Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Project: Pakistan accused India of damaging the vital power facility, threatening water and energy security.
India-Pakistan Water Treaty: Islamabad condemned India’s “illegal” suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling it an “attack on Pakistan’s agrarian economy.”
Diplomatic Reactions
Global Appeals for Restraint:
Saudi Arabia: Minister of State Adel Al-Jubeir met PM Shehbaz Sharif, urging de-escalation and dialogue.
United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized “restraint” in a call with Deputy PM Ishaq Dar.
Japan & Norway: Both nations echoed calls for diplomacy, with Japan’s FM Iwaya Takeshi condemning civilian deaths.
Azerbaijan & Türkiye: Expressed solidarity with Pakistan, criticizing India’s unilateral actions.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Offensive:
FO Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan labeled India’s strikes “a flagrant violation of the UN Charter” and dismissed claims linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack as “absurd.”
PM Shehbaz Sharif reiterated demands for an independent probe into Pahalgam, accusing India of “acting as judge, jury, and executioner.”
Historical Context: Escalating Tensions
The crisis stems from the May 6 Pahalgam incident in Indian-administered Kashmir, where a militant attack killed Indian soldiers. India blamed Pakistan-backed groups without evidence, triggering cross-border strikes.
ISPR’s Counter-Narrative:
Lt. Gen. Chaudhry accused India of “stage-managing” the Pahalgam incident to justify aggression, citing video testimonies from Indian citizens and officials criticizing New Delhi’s security failures.
Domestic Mobilization
National Assembly Unity: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared Pakistan “200% ready” to retaliate, vowing to target only military installations. Opposition leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman urged national unity behind the armed forces.
Media Crackdown: Pakistan criticized India for blocking social media and suppressing independent reporting, alleging “war hysteria” fueled by Indian state media.
The Path Ahead
While Pakistan’s military pledges a “measured response,” analysts warn of catastrophic consequences if tit-for-tat strikes continue. The international community’s muted reaction contrasts with urgent behind-the-scenes diplomacy, particularly from Gulf and European states.
Statements of Resolve:
ISPR: “We will not de-escalate until India faces consequences for its aggression.”
Saudi FM Al-Jubeir: “The kingdom stands with Pakistan. War benefits no one.”
Conclusion
As South Asia teeters on the edge, the world watches anxiously. For Pakistan, the strikes represent a test of its military deterrence and diplomatic resolve. For India, the gamble risks international isolation and domestic backlash. With civilian lives lost and nuclear stakes in play, the urgency for dialogue has never been greater.
