‘We Desire Martyrdom’: Pakistan Vows Response to Indian Operation
Indian air and artillery strikes have killed 26 civilians and injured 46 others in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, according to the Pakistani military. Reporting for The Media Line, Arshad Mehmood describes the attacks—part of India’s “Operation Sindoor”—as among the most serious escalations in years between the two nuclear-armed rivals. Pakistan said the strikes hit three mosques and several homes, as well as the Neelum–Jhelum Hydropower Project near Muzaffarabad. India, in contrast, described the action as a precision strike on terrorist infrastructure, launched in response to the April 22 bombing in Pahalgam that killed 26 Hindu pilgrims.
Pakistan’s military spokesman, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, accused India of targeting civilians and violating both international law and a ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC). “As much as India fears death, we desire martyrdom,” he said. Pakistan responded by claiming it shot down five Indian aircraft and destroyed multiple Indian positions near the LoC. India has not confirmed any losses.
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India’s Foreign Ministry said the operation used precision-guided munitions and did not cross into Pakistani airspace. It defended the strike as “measured” and “non-escalatory.” Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry called the operation a “grave escalation” and pledged to raise the matter at the United Nations.
The attacks have heightened tensions in the decadeslong Kashmir conflict, first ignited during the partition of British India in 1947. With both countries on alert and the international community calling for calm, analysts warn that missteps could quickly lead to further violence.
Read Arshad Mehmood’s article for the full story, including reactions from both sides and historical context behind the Kashmir dispute.
