Retaliation on the Table, But Pakistan Urges Patience: Officials
News Desk
Islamabad:Amid rising tensions with India, Pakistan’s security and political leadership has reiterated its resolve to respond to Indian aggression but cautioned that any retaliatory move will not be made in haste. Defense analysts, diplomats, and politicians have emphasized the need for a calculated and internationally cognizant response.
Following the latest clashes between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, defense experts have termed Pakistan’s immediate reaction as a “defensive attack,” stressing that a formal retaliatory strike is still under consideration.
“Not in a Hurry to Retaliate,” Say Experts
Lieutenant General (retd) Naeem Khalid Lodhi, speaking to DW, said that although Pakistan has hinted at a potential retaliatory strike, it is unlikely to make a rushed decision.
“Pakistan will weigh international reaction before taking any step,” he noted, adding that the reopening of Pakistani airspace signals that no immediate military escalation is expected. However, he warned that continued Indian aggression could trigger a stronger response, particularly if India targets strategic resources like water infrastructure.
Major General (retd) Inam-ul-Haq echoed similar sentiments, stating that a retaliatory attack from Pakistan is inevitable. “After this, I believe India will refrain from further military action, concluding the first phase of the crisis,” he said.
Why Couldn’t India’s Missiles Be Intercepted?
A critical question emerging from the recent attacks is why Indian missiles were not intercepted despite prior intelligence of an impending strike.
According to Lt. Gen. Lodhi, both Pakistan and India currently lack the capability to intercept air-to-ground missiles mid-flight. While both possess limited defense against surface-to-surface missiles, he emphasized that Pakistan retains the capability to respond effectively if hostilities continue.
Political and Diplomatic Reactions
Political leaders and diplomats in Pakistan have condemned the Indian strikes, particularly targeting civilian areas and infrastructure. Senator Sherry Rehman described the attacks as “unjustified, unnecessary, and a violation of international norms.”
“Targeting civilians, mosques, and hydropower projects is unacceptable. This is an act of international terrorism,” she said, accusing India of fabricating allegations to stoke war hysteria. Rehman warned that Pakistan’s restraint should not be mistaken for weakness, citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, which upholds the right to self-defense.
Diplomatic circles are urging Islamabad to present its case effectively to the global community and expose what they term as “baseless” and “false” Indian claims.
Former Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry expressed deep concern over the attacks on civilian targets, especially in the absence of evidence regarding the Pahalgam incident.
“Pakistan has exercised its right to self-defense but retains the right to retaliate. It is up to us to decide when and how. The international community must not ignore India’s aggression,” he said.
Chaudhry also accused India of attempting demographic changes in Indian-occupied Kashmir and downplaying Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate terrorism and ensure that its territory is not used for any subversive activity.
Pakistan’s Official Response and Civilian Toll
Indian airstrikes on Wednesday and Thursday targeted multiple areas including Bahawalpur, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Kotli in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. According to Pakistani officials, at least 26 civilians lost their lives, and the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project suffered minor damage.
In response, Pakistan’s armed forces claim to have downed five Indian warplanes and destroyed several Indian military posts across the Line of Control (LoC). Notably, both sides have refrained from violating each other’s airspace.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif, spokesperson for the Pakistan Army, said in a press conference that the country reserves the right to respond at a time and manner of its choosing.
The National Security Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has authorized the armed forces to take “any necessary measures” to safeguard the country’s sovereignty.
The report was published on the DW Urdu website and is a translated version.
