Pakistan Launches Retaliatory “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos” as India-Pakistan Conflict Escalates
May 10, 2025
Pakistan launched military operation against India In a decisive response to India’s missile strikes on its airbases, Pakistan has launched “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos”, targeting critical Indian military installations and infrastructure. The retaliatory action marks a dangerous escalation in the long-standing rivalry between the nuclear-armed neighbors, raising global alarms over a potential full-scale war.
Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos: Pakistan launched military operation against India
Pakistan’s military struck seven strategic Indian sites in a multi-pronged offensive, signaling a shift from defensive posturing to active retaliation. Key targets included:
Pathankot Air Base (Punjab): A vital Indian Air Force (IAF) installation near the Pakistan border, previously attacked in 2016.
Udhampur Air Base (Jammu & Kashmir): Targeted with three indigenously developed Fateh-1 missiles (range: 120 km), crippling its operational capacity.
Gujarat and Rajasthan Air Bases: Critical hubs for IAF’s western command.
BrahMos Missile Storage Facility: A high-value site housing India’s supersonic cruise missiles.
Uri Brigade Headquarters and Supply Depot: A key logistical node for Indian troops in Kashmir.
Cyber Warfare Escalation:
In a unprecedented move, Pakistani security sources confirmed a cyberattack disabling 70% of India’s power grid, plunging major cities into darkness and disrupting military communications. This marks one of the largest cyber offensives in South Asian history.
Background: From Skirmishes to Full-Blown Conflict
The crisis erupted after an April 22 attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which India blamed on Pakistan-based militants. Islamabad denied involvement, calling the allegations “baseless.” Tensions boiled over on May 7, when India launched cross-border strikes, killing 31 Pakistani civilians. Pakistan retaliated by downing five IAF jets (including three Rafales) and 80 drones, mostly Israeli-made IAI Heron UAVs.
India’s Provocation:
On May 10, India escalated further, firing missiles at Pakistan’s Nur Khan, Murid, and Shorkot airbases from aircraft. DG Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry condemned the strikes, stating, “India is pushing the entire region toward war with its reckless actions.”
Military Dynamics: Air Superiority and Asymmetric Tactics
Air Combat: Pakistan deployed JF-17 Thunder, F-16, and J-10C jets, leveraging superior training and electronic warfare capabilities. The PAF claims to have electronically identified 14 Rafale jets among 72 IAF aircraft during a dogfight.
Drone Warfare: India’s reliance on drones backfired as Pakistan intercepted 80 UAVs, exposing vulnerabilities in India’s surveillance strategy.
Missile Arsenal: The use of Fateh-1 missiles underscores Pakistan’s growing indigenous defense capabilities.
DG ISPR’s Assurance:
Lt. Gen. Chaudhry emphasized Pakistan’s readiness: “All our assets are safe, and we are fully prepared for any response.”
Human Cost and Regional Fallout
Civilian Casualties: Indian shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) killed five civilians in Azad Kashmir, including a toddler.
Kashmir Under Siege: Residents in IIOJK reported widespread internet blackouts and curfews, with hospitals overwhelmed by casualties.
Water Treaty at Risk: Pakistan accused India of weaponizing the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), threatening its agrarian economy.
Global Reactions: G7 Urges Restraint
The Group of Seven (G7) nations—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the U.S., UK, and EU—issued a joint statement:
Condemned the April 22 tourist attack but urged “maximum restraint” from both sides.
Called for “immediate de-escalation and direct dialogue.”
Diplomatic Outreach:
Saudi Arabia: Minister of State Adel Al-Jubeir met PM Shehbaz Sharif, stressing the Kingdom’s “deep concern.”
China and Türkiye: Reiterated support for Pakistan, criticizing India’s “unilateral aggression.”
UN Silent: The Security Council’s inaction drew criticism from analysts, who warn of a “Syria-like proxy war” in South Asia.
Historical Context: The Kashmir Flashpoint
The Kashmir dispute, unresolved since 1947, remains the core issue fueling hostilities. Both nations claim the region in full but administer parts of it. Recent years have seen India intensify its military presence in IIOJK, followed by Pakistan’s support for Kashmiri self-determination.
ISPR’s Counter-Narrative:
Lt. Gen. Chaudhry accused India of “stage-managing” the April 22 attack to justify aggression, citing video evidence from Indian citizens and officials criticizing New Delhi’s security failures.
Nuclear Risks and the World’s Dilemma
With both nations possessing 150+ nuclear warheads, the conflict poses an existential threat. Experts warn that:
A limited war could spiral into nuclear exchange due to miscommunication or miscalculation.
Cyberattacks on nuclear command systems could trigger unintended launches.
Global Powers on Edge:
While the U.S. and EU focus on Ukraine and Taiwan, South Asia’s crisis risks diverting resources. “The world cannot afford another nuclear brinkmanship,” said a UN official anonymously.
Conclusion: Diplomacy or Disaster?
As Pakistan and India lock horns, the path to peace narrows. Islamabad’s calibrated retaliation demonstrates military resolve, while India’s jingoistic rhetoric fuels domestic nationalism. For the international community, mere appeals for restraint are insufficient.
The Way Forward:
Third-Party Mediation: Involve neutral actors like Saudi Arabia or Indonesia to broker talks.
Kashmir Dialogue: Resume backchannel diplomacy, as seen in the 2021 ceasefire.
Cyber Warfare Norms: Establish global treaties to prevent infrastructure attacks.
The clock is ticking. As DG ISPR warned: “India’s madness threatens us all.” The world must act before South Asia’s fuse burns out.
