Pakistan Protests Against Indian Military Operation Amid Rising Tensions
Pakistan Summons Indian Diplomat Over Military Strikes
On Wednesday, Pakistan called in Indian Chargé d’Affaires Geetika Srivastava to express its discontent regarding the Indian military's recent Operation Sindoor, according to reports from a news agency.
The Indian diplomat, representing the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to formally register a strong objection to what the ministry described as “unprovoked Indian strikes.”
Since Pakistan downgraded its diplomatic relations with India in August 2019, following India's revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status, both nations have been represented by chargés d’affaires instead of high commissioners.
Srivastava's summons came shortly after the Indian military conducted strikes targeting what it claimed were terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in retaliation for a terror attack in Pahalgam. The operation reportedly involved nine targeted sites.
Pakistan alleged that these strikes resulted in civilian casualties and labeled the operation a breach of its sovereignty.
In response, India's defense ministry stated that the military actions were “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” emphasizing that no military facilities in Pakistan were targeted. The ministry asserted that India was exercising restraint in its choice of targets and methods.
“We are committed to holding accountable those responsible for the attack,” the ministry added.
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Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated on social media that the Indian Air Force had targeted locations across the international border in Muridke and Bahawalpur, as well as areas across the Line of Control in Kotli and Muzaffarabad.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted that Pakistani forces had the “right to respond forcefully” and indicated that a “forceful response is being given.”
Reports indicated that twenty-six individuals were killed in the Indian strikes, with Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirming that at least 35 people were injured.
Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif mentioned that the country was prepared to “wrap up” tensions with India if New Delhi opted for de-escalation.
“However, if we are attacked, we will retaliate,” he stated. “If India backs down, we will certainly ease this tension.”
Nevertheless, Pakistan's National Security Committee authorized its armed forces to respond to India's Operation Sindoor.
The Indian military expressed readiness to counter any “Pakistani misadventures” that could escalate hostilities between the two nations.
Following the strikes, ten civilians were reported killed due to firing and shelling by the Pakistan Army along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, including two children.
Twenty-nine individuals in Jammu and Kashmir were injured as both militaries exchanged fire.
The terror attack in the Baisaran area near Pahalgam on April 22 resulted in 26 fatalities and 17 injuries, with the attackers reportedly targeting tourists based on their religion, according to police sources.
In the aftermath of the attack, India and Pakistan engaged in a series of diplomatic exchanges, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and bilateral trade, while Pakistan has violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control for twelve consecutive days, prompting retaliation from the Indian Army.
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- More than 200 flights cancelled, several airports closed after Operation Sindoor
- ‘Hope it ends quickly’: World leaders react to escalating tensions after India’s strikes in Pakistan