Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif orders Pak Army to retaliate against India's 'Operation Sindoor'

In response to India’s surgical strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the country’s military to prepare for retaliatory action. The decision was made during a National Security Committee (NSC) meeting chaired by Sharif, following India's cross-border operation that targeted alleged terror launchpads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The Pakistani government termed the strikes an “unprovoked, cowardly and unlawful act of war” and asserted its right to respond “at a time, place, and manner of its choosing.”

India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ nearly two weeks after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists. The Indian operation focused on destroying what it identified as terror infrastructure across the Line of Control (LoC), deliberately avoiding Pakistani military installations. According to Indian officials, the mission was intended to dismantle specific terror camps without escalating into a broader military confrontation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a cabinet meeting after the strikes to brief ministers on the operation’s details. During the meeting, Modi reportedly described the operation as a pivotal national security action. The strikes received broad political support from parties across the spectrum, indicating a unified domestic stance on India’s counter-terrorism approach. No further operational details were officially disclosed.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s government has denied any involvement in the April 22 Pahalgam attack. However, a faction associated with the Pakistan-supported Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has claimed responsibility for the assault. Pakistan reiterated its offer to conduct a joint investigation into the attack, which it said India had not accepted. The NSC reaffirmed Pakistan’s position that there are no terror camps on its soil and rejected all allegations made by India.

As part of its diplomatic response, Pakistan summoned an Indian diplomat and issued a formal protest note condemning the strikes. Information Minister Ataullah Tarar stated that Pakistan retains the right to retaliate against India’s military action and warned New Delhi not to underestimate Pakistan’s capability. The Pakistani armed forces remain on high alert as officials assess further measures amid rising bilateral tensions.