Pakistan Demands Indian De-escalation as Cross-Border Strikes Raise War Fears
Pakistan's Defence Minister has stated that the escalating conflict with India can only be defused if New Delhi steps back from what he described as an aggressive military posture. According to the Pakistani leadership, the responsibility for the flare-up lies with India, which recently launched targeted airstrikes across the Line of Control (LoC) under what it termed "Operation Sindoor." These strikes reportedly hit nine locations within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, focusing on alleged militant hideouts.
In response, Pakistan claimed to have initiated retaliatory actions along the LoC, asserting its right to defend its sovereignty against what it perceives as Indian aggression. The Defence Minister maintained that Islamabad's actions were purely reactive, not offensive in nature, and reiterated that the country remains committed to de-escalation&mdash;provided India makes the first move to reduce tensions.
He emphasized that if the attacks cease, Pakistan would reciprocate by halting its military response, but any continued hostility would compel Pakistan to defend itself.
Military sources reported that the Indian airstrikes resulted in significant casualties, with dozens killed and injured. The targeted sites reportedly included locations tied to high-profile militant groups in areas such as Bahawalpur, Muridke, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bagh. Among them were structures suspected of sheltering leaders of banned outfits operating within Pakistan.
In the wake of the strikes, Pakistan has moved into a state of high alert. Hospitals across the country are operating under emergency protocols, airspace has been closed for up to 36 hours, schools in key regions have been shut down, and all branches of the military remain on full operational readiness.
The intensifying confrontation has unsettled the civilian population, with widespread concern over the possibility of a broader conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to address the nation and has convened an emergency session of the National Security Committee. The meeting will evaluate the situation and consider next steps, including diplomatic engagement with international stakeholders.
Global powers have begun calling for restraint, urging both countries to pull back from the brink and engage in dialogue to prevent further escalation.
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---IANS

Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Asia

Khawaja Asif warns India must step back for peace as airstrikes raise fears of full-scale war

Pakistan Demands India De-escalate Tensions

Khawaja Asif warns India must step back for peace as airstrikes raise fears of full-scale war

May 7, 2025 | 21:21 IST