A Calculated Retaliation: Operation Bunyan Un Marsoos And the Strategic Message to India

Operation Bunyan un marsoos

A Calculated Retaliation: Operation Bunyan Un Marsoos And the Strategic Message to India

The longstanding and often volatile relationship between Pakistan and India entered a dangerously escalated phase following India’s unprovoked cross-border aggression. In response, Pakistan launched a precision counteroffensive—Operation Bunyan Un Marsoos—signaling a calibrated yet firm posture of deterrence and defense. This operation, reinforced by cyber capabilities and strategic coordination, not only neutralized critical Indian military infrastructure but also delivered an unmistakable message: Pakistan is fully capable of retaliating across all domains when its sovereignty is challenged.

Diplomatic and Strategic Landscape

The geopolitical context surrounding the escalation quickly drew international attention, with key global powers stepping in to manage the fallout. The United States emerged as a leading force in crisis diplomacy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s call for restraint, and Washington’s offer to mediate, reflected deep concern over the potential consequences of continued hostilities between two nuclear powers.

China, too, urged calm and political dialogue, highlighting its vested interests in regional stability—especially given its strategic investments through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Pakistan, on its part, engaged actively with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and other allies to internationalize the conflict and build diplomatic pressure on India.

Amid the breakdown of direct communication between Islamabad and New Delhi, high-level engagements between the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Pakistan’s COAS Gen. Asim Munir, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar marked a turning point. These diplomatic efforts paved the way for the latest development: a full and immediate ceasefire, brokered by the United States, and publicly confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

While the announcement of a ceasefire offers a momentary reprieve, Pakistan has rightfully maintained that a ceasefire without binding terms and enforceable guarantees will be meaningless in the long term. Without mechanisms to hold India accountable and prevent future provocations, the threat of misadventure remains dangerously real. Pakistan’s leadership has made it clear that peace cannot be sustained by verbal assurances alone—it requires structural safeguards, credible monitoring, and an end to India’s pattern of unilateral militarism.

Operation Bunyan Un Marsoos: Objectives and Execution

The name of the operation—Bunyan Un Marsoos, meaning “a solidly constructed wall”—reflected Pakistan’s resolute defense posture. The operation targeted Indian military assets with surgical precision:

Airbase Strikes crippled India’s readiness, hitting Adampur, Udhampur, Sirsa, Halwara, and others.

The BrahMos missile site in Beas was successfully destroyed, dealing a significant blow to India’s offensive strike capability.

A massive cyberattack disabled 70% of India’s power grid, showing Pakistan’s reach in modern warfare.

Drone incursions into Indian airspace, including surveillance flights over Delhi, underscored Pakistan’s tactical superiority.

This multidimensional response demonstrated that Pakistan can rapidly mobilize across conventional and hybrid domains, achieving strategic goals without widespread collateral damage.

Humanitarian and Civilian Impact

Despite Pakistan’s focus on military targets, the humanitarian cost of the crisis remains troubling. Indian shelling in Azad Jammu & Kashmir killed at least 13 civilians—including children—and injured over 50. The Punjab government responded by issuing emergency advisories and wartime readiness protocols to protect civilians.

These developments serve as a grim reminder that political brinkmanship can inflict devastating consequences on innocent lives. Pakistan’s emphasis on civilian protection has stood in stark contrast to India’s indiscriminate targeting practices.

Message to India: A Strategic Warning

Operation Bunyan Un Marsoos was not merely retaliatory—it was a calibrated demonstration of strategic dominance. Through deterrence by punishment, Pakistan dismantled key Indian assets, eroding New Delhi’s perceived military edge. The successful targeting of missile systems, defense airbases, and cyber infrastructure served as a warning that Pakistan is not only capable but prepared to inflict significant and proportionate damage.

Perhaps most noteworthy was Pakistan’s superiority in cyber warfare. The incapacitation of Indian power and communication systems highlighted vulnerabilities India can no longer ignore. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s commitment to precision targeting and adherence to international humanitarian law reinforced its credibility on the global stage.

The swiftness and coordination of Pakistan’s response—across air, cyber, and drone capabilities—also revealed a deeply integrated and prepared national defense strategy. It shattered any illusion that India holds conventional or technological superiority in the region.

Global Reactions and Mediation Avenues

Global stakeholders responded with urgency. Pakistan’s diplomatic maneuvering ensured the world saw the crisis not as a border skirmish, but as a serious threat to regional peace. The United States, China, and Turkey played vital roles in de-escalation, culminating in the U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement.

Pakistan’s response—measured, legal, and focused—positioned it as a responsible regional actor, compelling the world to view India’s actions with skepticism. The momentum built through international engagement now presents a real opportunity: structured, monitored peace dialogue—backed by guarantees and consequences for any violations.

Strategic Implications for the Region

This crisis has reaffirmed South Asia’s position as one of the world’s most volatile nuclear flashpoints. The specter of escalation between two nuclear powers loomed large, reminding global audiences of the stakes involved.

India’s behavior—amplified by domestic political motives during an election year—revealed a disturbing tendency to gamble with regional peace for short-term political gain. Such recklessness endangers not only bilateral relations but the broader security architecture of Asia.

Pakistan, through its restraint and resolve, emerged as a strategically mature actor. Operation Bunyan Un Marsoos showcased its ability to defend its sovereignty through modern, multifront capabilities. It also elevated cyber warfare as a core pillar of defense strategy, underlining the need for all regional actors to adapt to evolving threat environments.

A Ceasefire Is Not Enough Without Conditions

The announcement of a full and immediate ceasefire, confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump, has temporarily halted hostilities. But Pakistan’s position remains firm: a ceasefire without clear conditions and verification mechanisms is not peace—it is merely a pause. If future provocations are to be avoided, India must be held to account. Unconditional ceasefires cannot be allowed to mask deeper strategic imbalances or embolden repeated misadventures.

A Message to India

Pakistan does not seek war, but it will never back down from one imposed upon it. The days of unchallenged Indian aggression are over. Pakistan’s military, cyber, and diplomatic strength have been firmly demonstrated. Any future attempt to destabilize Pakistan—be it through cross-border attacks, digital sabotage, or misinformation—will be met with a swift, calibrated, and unforgiving response.

Now is the time for responsible leadership in New Delhi—one that values regional stability over domestic optics, and diplomacy over delusion. Pakistan has shown it can fight—but it has also shown it prefers peace. Whether that peace is preserved or shattered lies entirely with India.

The author is a journalist affiliated with Business Recorder, a newspaper.
*The views and opinions expressed herein, and any references, are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of the Centre for Development and Stability (CDS).