Written by: Anum Malik
Between late April and early May 2025, South Asia faced perhaps the gravest crisis since the 2019 border standoff. India’s “Operation Sindoor”, a massive retaliatory campaign following the tragic killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, triggered the most serious military escalation in years. Pakistan, however, stood firm. Its air and land forces responded with precision, bravery, and unwavering resolve. In doing so, they not only defended the nation’s sovereignty, they earned the admiration and gratitude of an entire people.
Prelude: From Terror Tragedy to Military Strikes
- April 22: A terror attack at Pahalgam claimed 26 lives (mostly Indian tourists). India immediately accused Pakistan-backed militants and launched diplomatic and kinetic retaliation.
- April 24: Indian PM Modi cut short his Saudi visit. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled diplomats, and imposed visa bans, moves widely condemned in Islamabad.
- April 24-May 6: Pakistani airspace shut to Indian carriers; international airlines rerouted west of Pakistan; national sentiment surged, galloping support for the military grew.
India’s Operation Sindoor: Striking Deep within Pakistan
- May 6-7 (Night): India launched missile strikes targeting six sites, including Nur Khan (Rawalpindi), Shorkot, Chakwal, and Rahim Yar Khan Airports, as well as LoC and AJK postings.
- Official ISPR figures: 24 missiles and coordinated drone attacks were intercepted across multiple provinces.
- Civilian impacts were heavy: 26 civilians killed, including women and children, and 46 others injured, with mosques struck in Ahmedpur East, Muridke, Muzaffarabad, and Kotli.
- Pakistan’s Air Defenses responded robustly to 5 Indian jets (including 3 Rafales, 1 MiG-29, 1 Su-series), and 1 combat drone was downed.
Pakistan’s Defensive Retaliation: Bastion of Sovereignty
On May 10, early morning, Pakistan executed Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos:
- Instruments of response:
- Air-launched Fatah missiles plus PAF’s JF-17 aircraft targeted Indian military assets with surgical precision.
- Dozens of drones were downed: 84 Indian UAVs shot down in Lahore, Karachi, Attock, Gujranwala, and Chakwal.
- Targets: Numerous Indian airbases (Adampur S‑400 site, Pathankot, Halwara, Bathinda, Abuampur, Suratgarh, Udampur, Jammu, Srinagar, and additional artillery/brigade positions).
- Damage redound: Pakistan’s military declared that Indian missile and BrahMos depots, artillery, S‑400 emplacement, and brigade headquarters were destroyed or seriously damaged; civilian infrastructure and airports remained untouched, underscoring a calculated, military-only response.
Cost of Conflict
Pakistani Losses
- Military:
- 13 soldiers martyred (KIA) and 78 injured (WIA) defending Pakistan’s frontlines.
- Civilians:
- 26 confirmed martyrs, including young girls, women, and LoC casualties.
- Additional estimates mention 40 civilian martyrs at mosques in Ahmedpur East, Muridke, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and over 121 wounded.
- Infrastructure:
- Damage to mosques, dams (Nosheri), airports (Nur Khan, Shorkot), LoC residential zones, and air defense radars; airspace closure disrupted commercial flights and PSL cricket.
Indian Losses
- Aircraft: 5 fighter jets (3 Rafales, 1 MiG‑29, 1 Su‑xx) downed.
- Drones: 84 UAVs destroyed, mostly Israeli Harops from Punjab, Karachi, and other zones.
- Ground infrastructure: S-400 site at Adampur, BrahMos missile batteries, brigade HQs; civilian death toll in India estimated at ~16 during LoC shelling and ~50 across Kashmir and border villages.
- Indian media and Rafale maker denied shooting down Rafales but two wreckages were visually confirmed by The Washington Post.
Heroism in the Skies: Pakistan Air Force
The PAF’s role cannot be overstated:
- Intercepted all 24 attacking missiles in May 6–7 airstrikes.
- Neutralized 84 combat UAVs between May 7–10.
- Downed 5 Indian jets that intruded Pakistani airspace.
- Executed Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos with Fatah missiles and JF-17 support striking Indian military assets with zero collateral civilian casualties.
- Demonstrated aerial discipline; no Pakistani aircraft crossed into Indian airspace.
The PAF emerged as the definitive shield and retaliatory fist of Pakistan that week.
Pakistan Army’s Valor on Land
The Army was equally resolute:
- Maintained defensive posture along the LoC, countered drones, artillery, and missile threats to villages and military posts.
- Orchestrated artillery cross‑fire and dug-in defense across the Punjab and Kashmir sectors.
- Provided essential air defense and ensured airbases and civilian zones remained secure so the PAF could launch its precise counterstrike.
Both PAF and Army operated in tandem, replying “within minutes” to air raids, ensuring sovereignty remained uncompromised.
A Nation United in Support
This was not just a military effort; it was a national uprising:
- Public demonstrations: from Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore to Islamabad, Pakistanis rallied behind the troops with passion and pride, chanting “Pakistan Zindabad” and “Pak Army Zindabad”.
- Gallup Pakistan poll: 79% confident in victory, 78% backed suspension of Indian carriers, demonstrating strong national unity.
- Civilian mobilizations: Volunteers signed up for civil defense; celebratory processions welcomed returning war heroes.
- Government Thanksgiving:
- Youm-e-Tashakur (Day of Gratitude) is designated May 16 in honor of martyrs and armed forces.
- Incentives: The government announced PKR 1 million marriage grants per martyr’s daughter and immediate funding for rebuilding houses, mosques, and families.
International Pressure and Ceasefire
- Diplomatic response:
- UN, US, UK, China, EU, Iran, and Russia urged maximum restraint and mediation.
- Pakistan offered a transparent probe into Pahalgam incident.
- Ceasefire and de-escalation:
- Ceasefire brokered by international diplomacy (US VP and UK, Saudi envoys) was accepted by Pakistan after Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos on May 11.
- Pakistan lifted airspace closure to non-Indian flights shortly afterwards; India began reopening northern airports
Sacrifice and Commemoration
- 13 KIA, 78 WIA: soldiers who laid down their lives or were wounded in service to the nation.
- 40–46 civilian martyrs, including children, women, and mosque casualties in multiple regions.
- Host of infrastructure hits, but lives and cultural fabric preserved through disciplined military strategy.
Their bravery is immortalized through national rallies, reconstruction plans, and lasting gratitude.
Raising the Bar: Leadership, Technology & National Spirit
- PAF innovation: use of JF-17s, PL-15 missiles, and elevated drone defense set benchmarks.
- Army cohesion: multiplex defensive layers along borders and LoC, coalescing with air support.
- Home-front unity: civilians, students, professionals, and provincial governments united behind a single vision to defend Pakistan.
- Government support: transparent communication through ISPR, economic relief packages, and rebuilding efforts.
In the words of one observer, “We are happy that the planes were shot down,” said a teacher in Sialkot, an echo of widespread national pride.
The Road Ahead: Carved by Courage, Led by Unity
The 2025 escalation tested Pakistan’s resilience, and Pakistan answered with determination, discipline, and capability. The Pakistan Air Force soared to prominence, defending airspace and striking back with resolve. The Pakistan Army held firm across ground lines amid artillery duels and drone incursions. Together, they protected civilian lives, sacred spaces, and national infrastructure.
Above all, the Pakistani people, fueled by patriotism and rooted in unity, became the nation’s strongest force multiplier. Their protests, prayers, and unwavering belief in victory became the moral impetus for the military.
As ceasefire descended on May 11, the conflict left scars, but also a resounding truth; Pakistan’s sovereignty remains inviolate; its defenders remain vigilant; and its people remain unshakably united behind their armed forces. The memory of 13 martyrs, 78 wounded soldiers, and multiple civilian sacrifices will fuel future strength, rebuild with renewed conviction, and honor a legacy of courage defended with national unity.
