As India dismantles nine terror sites in a precision strike, Islamabad signals retaliation citing ‘right to self-defence’ under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
New Delhi | May 7, 2025 —
India’s targeted strike on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor has triggered a high-alert standoff in the region. In response to India’s retaliatory precision strikes over the Pahalgam massacre, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) has authorised its military to take “corresponding action” at a “time and manner of its choosing,” as per Dawn.
Islamabad cited Article 51 of the UN Charter, justifying a retaliatory strike under the right to self-defence. The Indian government, however, maintains that its actions were strictly non-escalatory and limited to terror infrastructure.
Key Developments So Far:
🔴 Pakistan Army ‘Authorised’ to Counterattack:
The NSC has declared Pakistan will respond if India continues aggression. The military has been given a free hand to retaliate in what it calls a “blatant violation of sovereignty.”
🔴 Masood Azhar Family Casualties:
Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar confirmed that 10 family members and 4 close aides were killed in the Indian Air Force strike on Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur.
🔴 India’s Military Targets Revealed:
One of the key strike targets, Abbas Terror Camp in Kotli, was described as a nerve centre for training Lashkar-e-Taiba suicide bombers, with over 50 operatives stationed there.
🔴 Political Reactions Across India:
- Home Minister Amit Shah called the strike a “justified and proportionate” response.
- Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge held an emergency meeting with party leaders.
- Rajasthan Speaker Vasudev Devnani hailed the strike as “historic revenge” for the widows of the Pahalgam victims.
- J&K CM Omar Abdullah conducted an emergency review meeting with border security officials.
🔴 India Cancels Diplomatic Trip:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cancelled his upcoming Europe visit in light of escalating border tensions.
🔴 Pakistan Summons Indian Envoy:
Islamabad summoned the Indian Chargé d’Affaires to formally register protest, claiming a breach of sovereignty.
🔴 Casualties Mount From Pakistani Shelling:
Artillery shelling across the LoC continues. Eight civilians were killed in Poonch, with India issuing a high alert along all frontline areas.
Background: What Sparked Operation Sindoor?
On April 22, a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 civilian lives, including tourists and a local pony handler. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar proxy, claimed responsibility. India traced communication nodes back to JeM and LeT camps across the LoC and launched a tri-services retaliatory operation at 1:44 AM on May 7.
The nine identified targets were training and logistics bases for terrorist groups including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
International Response:
- Russia expressed “deep concern” over the escalating conflict.
- China termed India’s action “regrettable” but called for calm on both sides.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is closely monitoring the situation and urged de-escalation.
- Israel backed India’s right to self-defence.
Tags: Operation Sindoor, India Pakistan Tensions, Pakistan Army Response, Pahalgam Attack, Terror Camps, Masood Azhar, Indian Air Force, Global Diplomacy