PAK INDO WAR

 Background and Initial Trigger

On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, killed 26 civilians, including tourists. India accused Pakistan-backed militant groups Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) of orchestrating the attack, which Pakistan denied.

Pre-Conflict Skirmishes (April 24 – May 6)

Cross-border firing and artillery shelling intensified along the Line of Control (LoC) and international border. Diplomatic relations deteriorated with India suspending visas, downgrading ties, and halting the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan responded with trade restrictions and border closures.

Operation Sindoor: India’s Missile and Air Strikes (May 7)

India launched **Operation Sindoor**, striking nine militant camps and terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir with precision missiles (SCALP-EG, AASM Hammer, Israeli loitering munitions) from Rafale, Su-30MKI, and MiG-29 jets. India claimed no Pakistani military or civilian sites were hit, but Pakistan reported civilian casualties and damage to mosques.

Pakistan’s Retaliation: Mortar Shelling and Drone Engagements (May 7-9)

Pakistan responded with heavy mortar shelling on Indian border districts, killing civilians and damaging homes, schools, and religious sites. This was the worst shelling in over 50 years. The conflict saw the first drone battle between two nuclear powers, with both sides deploying armed drones.

Escalation of Air Strikes and Missile Attacks (May 8-10)

India struck Pakistani airbases Nur Khan, Rafiqui, and Murid with BrahMos cruise missiles and fighter jets, causing damage and casualties. Pakistan launched **Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos** on May 10 in retaliation, targeting multiple Indian military installations.

Operation Bunyan-ul-marsoos:Pakistan's counter offensive (may 10)

- Named from Quranic verse Surah Al-Saff (61:4), meaning “a solid wall firmly joined together,” symbolizing unity and strength.

- Pakistan launched precision missile strikes on at least 26 Indian military targets, including 15 airbases: Suratgarh, Sirsa, Naliya, Adampur, Bhatinda, Barnala, Halwara, Awantipur, Srinagar, Jammu, Udhampur, Mamun, Ambala, and Pathankot.

- BrahMos missile storage facilities at Beas and Nagrota were destroyed.

- Two Indian S-400 air defense systems at Adampur and Bhuj were neutralized.

- Military logistics and support sites such as the Field Supply Depot at Uri and Radar Station at Poonch were targeted.

- Command headquarters including 10 Brigade and 80 Brigade at KG Top and Nowshera were destroyed.

- Proxy training and intelligence facilities in Rajouri and Nowshera were hit.

- Pakistan claimed its drones flew over major Indian cities, including New Delhi, and conducted cyberattacks on Indian military satellites and government websites.

- Pakistan also launched the Al-Fatah ballistic missile aimed at Delhi, which India intercepted.

- The operation was described by Pakistan’s military as a calibrated and proportionate response, avoiding civilian targets and inflicting significant damage on Indian military infrastructure.

- The operation concluded officially on May 12, with Pakistan declaring it a success and part of the larger “Battle of Truth” against India’s destabilizing agenda.

Cyber and Information Warfare

- Both sides engaged in cyber attacks disrupting each other’s energy grids, railways, government databases, and media networks.

- India blocked Pakistani media channels and social media accounts, accusing Pakistan of terrorism sponsorship.

- Pakistan accused Indian media of spreading misinformation and anti-Muslim propaganda.

- The information war aimed to influence domestic and international opinion, with conflicting narratives about the conflict’s causes and outcomes.

Ceasefire and Diplomatic Resolution (May 10)

- After four days of fighting, a ceasefire was agreed upon following hotline communication between military chiefs and diplomatic intervention by the US.

- Both sides accused each other of ceasefire violations afterward.

- Commercial flights and normal activities gradually resumed.

- Pakistan declared victory, emphasizing its military and cyber successes, while India maintained it had degraded terrorist infrastructure.

Summary Table of Key Events

| Date | Event | Details                                                                          

 April 22 | Pahalgam Terrorist Attack | 26 civilians killed; India blames Pakistan-backed militants                               

 April 24-May 6 | Border Skirmishes and Artillery Shelling | Low-intensity conflict; diplomatic ties worsen                                           

 May 7 | Operation Sindoor (India’s missile/air strikes) | 9 militant camps targeted in Pakistan and PoK; use of SCALP, AASM Hammer, loitering munitions 

 May 7 | Pakistan’s Mortar Shelling on Indian Border | Heavy civilian casualties in Poonch; damage to homes, schools, gurdwara.                   

May 7-9 | Drone Battles and Skirmishes | First drone combat between nuclear powers                                                

May 8-10 | Expanded Air Strikes and Missile Attacks | India targets Pakistani airbases; Pakistan retaliates with Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos    

 May 10 | Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos (Pakistan’s counterstrike) | Precision missile strikes on 26 Indian military sites, including airbases and command HQs 

May 10 | Ceasefire Agreement Hotline talks; US diplomatic intervention; ceasefire effective                           

This conflict marked a significant escalation in India-Pakistan hostilities, combining precision missile strikes, drone warfare, cyber attacks, and an intense information war, reflecting a new era of hybrid warfare between the two rivals.

Citations:

[1] 2025 India–Pakistan crisis - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_India%E2%80%93Pakistan_crisis

[2] Pakistan launches Operation Bunyan Marsoos: What we know so far https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/10/pakistan-launches-operation-bunyan-marsoos-what-we-know-so-far

[3] 2025 India–Pakistan conflict - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_India%E2%80%93Pakistan_conflict

[4] Bunyan Um Marsoos: Meaning Pakistan operation India 2025-05-10 https://arynews.tv/bunyan-um-marsoos-meaning-pakistan-military-operation-india-2025-05-10/

[5] Pak announces completion of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos https://centreline.com.pk/2025/05/12/pak-announces-completion-of-operation-bunyan-um-marsoos/

[6] Pakistan names its military response 'Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos ... https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/pakistan-names-its-military-response-operation-bunyan-ul-marsoos-heres-what-it-means-475685-2025-05-10

[7] Pakistan Army announces conclusion of 'Operation Bunyanum ... https://tribune.com.pk/story/2545413/pakistan-army-announces-conclusion-of-operation-bunyan-un-marsoos-ispr

[8] Pakistan launches 'Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos' against India https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/pakistan-operation-bunyan-ul-marsoos-name-meaning-india-13887179.html