Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a strongly worded response after Indian armed forces carried out Operation Sindoor, striking nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Addressing the nation, Sharif condemned the Indian strikes as an “act of war” and asserted that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully capable of retaliation. He declared, “Pakistan will take revenge. We will take this war to the end. My Pakistani people, for your safety, our army and our people will always be united. We are most affected by terrorism and will win against our enemies”.

The Indian military offensive, which lasted just over 20 minutes in the early hours of May 7, targeted camps linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. These strikes came in direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 people, including one Nepali citizen. India described the operation as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” emphasizing that only terrorist infrastructure was targeted, not Pakistani military facilities. Indian officials stated that the strikes were necessary due to Pakistan’s lack of action against terror groups operating from its territory.

Following the strikes, Pakistan’s top security body authorized the armed forces to retaliate “at a time, place, and manner of its choosing.” Defence Minister Khawaja Asif vowed a “full force” response, and the National Security Council, chaired by Sharif, convened to discuss the situation. Pakistan claimed that Indian missiles hit civilian areas, including mosques, and reported several civilian casualties, while also inviting international media to verify the sites struck. The Pakistani military reported that three civilians were killed and twelve injured, though Indian sources maintained that only terror infrastructure was targeted.

Amid rising tensions, both nations exchanged heavy fire along the Line of Control, resulting in further civilian and military casualties. The Indian government, meanwhile, conducted security drills across 244 districts to prepare for any escalation. As international actors called for restraint, the region remained on high alert, with both sides warning of further consequences if provoked.