In the wake of a deadly escalation between India and Pakistan, the Pakistani military has stated it exercised restraint during its recent counterattacks, targeting only Indian military assets allegedly responsible for killing Pakistani civilians earlier in the week. This statement came a day after the United States successfully negotiated a temporary ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed rivals.
Tensions reached a boiling point on Wednesday after India launched missile strikes across several Pakistani cities, reportedly in retaliation for a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists. Pakistan quickly responded by shooting down five Indian fighter jets and launching a series of retaliatory strikes.
According to Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the operation—codenamed Bunyan-um-Marsoos—targeted 26 Indian military installations. He emphasized that Pakistan’s military response was deliberately restrained and designed to avoid civilian casualties. Pakistani drones also flew reconnaissance missions over major Indian cities, including New Delhi, as part of the response.
“Our response was measured and responsible. We only targeted those directly involved in attacks against our civilians,” Chaudhry stated during a press briefing.
The four-day conflict, the most intense between India and Pakistan since the 1999 Kargil War, left around 70 people dead on both sides and displaced numerous families along the border. While the ceasefire, announced by US President Donald Trump on Saturday evening, has largely held, sporadic artillery exchanges were reported in the Kashmir region.
India’s military confirmed sending a “hotline message” to Pakistan, warning of a response if ceasefire violations persist. Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai of the Indian Army acknowledged that such agreements often take time to fully stabilize, but confirmed Indian forces remain on high alert.
The initial violence was sparked by a brutal assault in Pahalgam, a tourist town in Kashmir, on April 22. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the attack, a claim Islamabad denies. Pakistan has called for an independent international investigation into the incident.
Chaudhry described Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos as a powerful demonstration of Pakistan’s military and national resolve, cautioning against future provocations. “Pakistan will respond forcefully to any threat against our sovereignty,” he warned.
India and Pakistan have a long and fraught history, having fought three wars—two over Kashmir—since gaining independence in 1947. On Sunday, President Trump said he plans to work with both nations to find a lasting resolution over the disputed Kashmir region and hopes to boost trade ties with each country significantly.
“While not discussed, I plan to substantially increase trade with both of these great nations,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “I’ll also try to help them find a resolution to their long-standing Kashmir conflict—maybe after a thousand years, peace is possible.”
