Pakistan Launches Major Military Operation in Response to Indian Missile Strikes

The ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan is escalating rapidly, with Pakistan announcing a significant military operation, codenamed Operation Banyan-ul-Marsus (Strong Wall). This move comes in response to alleged missile strikes by India on the Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi, which Pakistan’s Geo TV has labeled as an act of “unprovoked aggression,” further intensifying tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations.

On the morning of May 10, 2025, the Pakistani military reported that India launched six ballistic missiles from Adampur, Punjab. According to Islamabad, one missile struck Adampur itself, while the remaining five landed near Amritsar, close to the border. Although Pakistan’s air defense systems, including the Chinese HQ-9, were able to partially intercept the missiles, damage was sustained at the Nur Khan air base. While India has not confirmed the missile strikes, reportes claims that the Indian military have “neutralized threats” from Pakistani drones in the border regions. Social media platforms are filled with images of destruction in Rawalpindi, alongside reports of Pakistani armored vehicles mobilizing toward the Line of Control in Kashmir, suggesting preparations for ground operations.

In immediate response to the escalating conflict, Pakistan has imposed stringent measures, including an eight-hour closure of its airspace, which has disrupted both international and domestic air travel.

Security has been heightened in major cities like Islamabad and Lahore, and schools and public institutions in border areas have been closed. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized the country’s readiness for a full-scale war, accusing India of engaging in “systematic aggression.” He stated, “We have no choice but to respond with force to New Delhi’s actions,” signaling Islamabad’s intent to counter India’s military maneuvers. Additionally, Pakistan has sought mediation, though diplomatic efforts have yet to produce tangible results.

The current crisis was sparked by a suicide attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, in which militants killed 26 tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. India subsequently accused Pakistan of supporting terrorism, leading to the launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7, during which Indian forces targeted nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. In retaliation, Pakistan conducted missile attacks and claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets, including two Rafales, marking the largest air battle in the region in decades. Since the conflict’s escalation, around 50 individuals have lost their lives on both sides, including civilians.

The humanitarian situation in Kashmir is deteriorating rapidly. Power outages in Srinagar and Jammu, and hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties. The International Red Cross has reported shortages of medical supplies and difficulties in delivering aid due to blocked roads. Images of destruction from missile strikes are circulating widely on social media, fueling public outrage.

The economic repercussions of the escalating conflict are already being felt. Bloomberg reports a sharp decline in the Indian stock market and a weakening of the Pakistani rupee. The suspension of operations at 32 Indian airports until May 15 has further disrupted the region’s transportation infrastructure. Analysts warn that the increased deployment of advanced weaponry, including ballistic missiles and drones, heightens the risk of unintended escalation.