“Don’t Retaliate”: US Congressman Warns Pakistan After India’s Operation Sindoor

Calling Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir a “dictator,” Congressman Ro Khanna urged Islamabad to de-escalate and release Imran Khan instead of provoking further conflict after India’s targeted strikes on terror camps.

Washington, May 8, 2025 – US Congressman Ro Khanna has issued a stern warning to Pakistan in the wake of India’s decisive military operation, urging Islamabad not to retaliate following “Operation Sindoor,” which struck nine terror-linked sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

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Speaking to CNN, Khanna called for immediate de-escalation of tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. “The most urgent thing is de-escalation,” he emphasized. “India took out some of the terrorist networks. It’s now time to stop the cycle.”

Khanna didn’t mince words regarding Pakistan’s military leadership, calling Army chief Asim Munir a “dictator” and slamming the country’s lack of democratic accountability. “There is no honest voice in Pakistan right now,” he said. “Munir has jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, rigged the elections, and runs a dictatorship.”

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He urged the Biden administration to use its influence—particularly through IMF financial leverage—to demand reforms. “We should insist on free and fair elections, the release of Imran Khan, and a halt to any retaliatory strikes.”

The Indian government has maintained that its strikes were targeted, measured, and solely directed at terror infrastructure. However, Pakistan responded with artillery shelling across the Line of Control, reportedly killing 12 civilians, including four children, and injuring at least 57 others in the Poonch region.

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Khanna also contextualized the historical roots of the conflict, referencing British colonial policies that contributed to deep divisions between communities in the subcontinent. He added that the US must serve as an “honest broker” while also understanding the region’s sensitivities.

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Ro Khanna, Operation Sindoor, India Pakistan tensions, Asim Munir, Imran Khan jail, US Pakistan relations, Pahalgam terror attack, India airstrikes, Pakistan retaliation, Line of Control shelling, nuclear conflict South Asia, US foreign policy, IMF Pakistan loan