On May 7, Indian defence forces executed a series of missile strikes on nine locations across Pakistan said to be functioning as terrorist hubs. The mission, named Operation Sindoor, came in the wake of a deadly attack in Pahalgam and was characterised by Indian officials as a deliberate and restrained response, carefully designed to avoid escalation.
The strikes quickly became a focal point in global media coverage. During an interview with Sky News, Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Minister, Ataullah Tarar, denied any militant activity within Pakistan’s borders, painting his country as a longstanding victim of terrorism. However, the interviewer pointed out conflicting remarks made by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif, who previously acknowledged Pakistan’s role in aiding U.S. counter-terror operations over the years.
Tarar criticised India for failing to denounce the hijacking of the Jafar Express and claimed Pakistan had never initiated conflict, asserting that it remained at the forefront of anti-terror efforts. His narrative was undermined by past statements from Pakistani leaders, including Bilawal Bhutto, who had openly spoken about the country’s historical links to terrorist financing.
When asked about Pakistan’s track record, the journalist reminded viewers that Osama bin Laden—responsible for the 9/11 attacks—was discovered and killed by U.S. special forces in Abbottabad, Pakistan in 2011, a detail that continues to raise doubts about Pakistan’s claims of innocence.
On the subject of retaliation, Tarar stated that Pakistani forces had brought down two Indian jets—though no confirmation of this has emerged from independent sources. He accused India of targeting non-military areas and insisted that Pakistan’s response would be grounded in the right to self-defence.
With both nations presenting contrasting versions of the events—India framing its action as a necessary crackdown on terror infrastructure, and Pakistan denying all such links—the geopolitical climate remains tense. The coming days will reveal whether both sides pursue diplomatic dialogue or brace for further conflict.
