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Time of India
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
‘This is limit of tolerance': India, Pakistan trade barbs at Shangri-La dialogue after Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor
NEW DELHI: The longstanding hostility between India and Pakistan was on full display at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where top military officials from both countries presented sharply opposing views amid heightened tensions following a brief but intense military confrontation last month. Held from Friday to Sunday, the Shangri-La Dialogue, billed as Asia's premier defence summit, became an unexpected stage for the subcontinental rivals to voice their positions after the April 22 terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which India blamed on Pakistan-based groups. Pakistan denies any involvement. As the two nuclear-armed neighbours sat in adjacent conference rooms, their generals took part in overlapping sessions late Saturday afternoon, one on defence innovation, the other on regional crisis-management. 'India has drawn a new red line' India's Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan made pointed remarks referencing Operation Sindoor , a military operation launched on May 7 to strike nine terror infrastructures across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam attack that left 26 people dead. 'What India has done, politically, is draw a new red line of intolerance against terror,' General Chauhan said. 'I hope this particular operation, which lies within the military domain, brings about some lessons for our adversary, and they learn that this is the limit of India's tolerance.' 'We have been subjected to this proxy war of terror for two decades and more, and we've lost a lot of people… we want to put an end to it,' he added. The operation concluded on May 10 after four days of retaliatory action by India. India claims all subsequent military responses to Pakistani activity in that period were part of Operation Sindoor. Pakistan's general issues warning In a separate session, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Pakistan Armed Forces, warned of the dangers if another confrontation escalates. 'The strategic stability is threatened by the lowering of thresholds. If next time such a conflict occurs and cities are targeted first and borders become irrelevant... there could be a possibility that before the international community intervenes, because of the restricted or constricted time window, the damage and destruction may already have taken place,' he said. In a broader interview with Channel News Asia, General Mirza said Pakistan continues to combat terrorism on its own soil, including cross-border activity from Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. 'Terrorism has cost Pakistan hundreds of billions of dollars and tens of thousands of lives,' he said. Diplomatic push across the globe While the military standoff ended on May 10, the diplomatic offensive is ongoing. India has dispatched multi-party delegations to more than 30 world capitals, including permanent and prospective members of the United Nations Security Council. Congress party leader and former external affairs minister Salman Khurshid, who was part of the Indian delegation visiting East and Southeast Asia, including a stop in Singapore on May 27, called the outreach 'unprecedented.' 'There are seven delegations sent worldwide to all members of the Security Council. In that sense, it is an innovation,' he said. 'You might even put it as something that has started… something that will at least ensure our narrative is carried right through.' Pakistan is expected to launch a similar diplomatic campaign beginning June 2. Technology, tensions, and nukes off the table The 96-hour military exchange in May was closely watched for its use of advanced weaponry. According to Channel News Asia, both sides deployed modern jets, India's French-made Rafales and Pakistan's Chinese J-10Cs, equipped with precision-guided missiles. Drones and cyber capabilities were reportedly used as well. General Chauhan highlighted India's diverse arsenal: 'India doesn't depend on one nation for its defence needs. A number of capabilities were put together, and most were used to good effect.' General Mirza noted Pakistan's access to a wide range of international defence equipment. 'We have military equipment from the US, Turkiye, Italy, the UK, and China,' he said. 'We have equipment from all equipment-producing countries.' Despite the rising tensions, both sides maintain that nuclear weapons were never considered. Pakistani officials, including General Mirza, dismissed reports suggesting Islamabad convened its National Command Authority, which oversees the country's nuclear arsenal. 'The tools of modern conflict are artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, cyber, precision firepower, and weapons,' General Mirza said, pointing to how future conflict could look very different from the past.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Top Pakistani general flags ‘Kashmir' in Singapore, warns of ‘destructive escalation'
General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, chairman, joint chiefs of staff committee, Pakistan Armed Forces, center, comes out from a panel discussion during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore (Picture credit: AP) ISLAMABAD: Kashmir remains the 'core' of India-Pakistan animosity and not addressing it through dialogue or third-party mediation carries the risk of 'destructive escalation', Islamabad's designated military representative to the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore said Sunday in another attempt to internationalise an issue that Delhi insists is bilateral. Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, sought to spotlight Kashmir as a 'dispute' that warranted international intervention during a session on 'regional crisis management mechanisms'. Pushing for 'conflict resolution aligned with Security Council resolutions', Gen Mirza reeled off a list of countries that he claimed could be third-party mediators, the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, China, Turkiye and UAE. The military officer said meeting the 'aspirations of the Kashmiri people' was essential for sustainable peace. He accused India of having an 'extremist mindset' and warned that it could be 'too late to avert damage and destruction' if this continued. Gen Mirza said the threshold for conventional warfare had 'significantly degraded', suggesting the possibility of rapid escalation in a nuclear-armed region. India has consistently dismissed Pakistan's call for UN-mediated solutions, while asking Islamabad to stop sponsoring terrorism in the region.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PM says India intensifying proxy terrorism after Marka-e-Haq defeat
Prime Minister Shehbaz Shairf addresses officers at Command and Staff College Quetta on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Photo: ISPR Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday accused India of stepping up a proxy terrorism campaign inside Pakistan following its defeat in Marka-e-Haq, vowing that what he called Fitna al Hindustan would be defeated by the Pakistani nation. During his address to the faculty and graduating officers at the Command and Staff College Quetta, the Prime Minister accused India of resorting to indirect aggression after suffering setbacks in recent engagements. He was referring to India's use of force, which was met with a precise military response under Operation Bunyanum Marsoos targeting Indian air assets, ammunition depots, and missile bases along and beyond the Line of Control. This operation was part of the broader Marka-e-Haq campaign, conducted from May 7 to May 10. He reaffirmed that Pakistan's armed forces, backed by the full support of the nation, are prepared to meet every challenge to the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. 'The Pakistani nation is united. With our faith, determination, and strength, we will defeat every conspiracy hatched by India and its proxies,' the Prime Minister said. Read more: India's 'hydro terrorism' untenable: COAS PM Shehbaz lauded the performance of the Pakistan Armed Forces during Bunyanum Marsoos, calling their conduct exemplary and a source of national pride. He praised the military's professionalism, bravery, and sacrifices, stating that their dedication had earned the highest respect of the nation. The Prime Minister reiterated the government's full support to the armed forces in fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities and defending Pakistan against all threats. He also highlighted the importance of synergy among all elements of national power to address evolving regional and internal challenges. Earlier, on arrival at the Command and Staff College, the Prime Minister was received by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M). PM addresses tribal jirga, advocates dialogue on grievances Prior to this, the premier attended the tribal Jirga and thanked tribal elders, lawmakers, and local leaders for participating in the jirga, aimed at tackling key challenges in the province, especially law and order issues. PM praised Balochistan as the 'heart of Pakistan' and a province of 'brave people' during his address to the historic Balochistan Grand Tribal Jirga in Quetta. He lauded the Pakistan Armed Forces for their 'bravery and professionalism' during the recent conflict with India on May 6 and 7, saying the enemy had suffered an 'unforgettable defeat.' He also commended the unity of the people of Balochistan alongside other provinces who stood shoulder to shoulder with the military. The Prime Minister praised Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his leadership during what he described as a 'short but dangerous war,' avenging Pakistan's 1971 defeat. Also read: PM Shehbaz 'ready for talks' with India on water, trade Recalling Pakistan's nuclear tests, he said the country had responded to India's five tests with six of its own, calling it a 'moment of great pride.' The prime minister highlighted Balochistan's historic loyalty, noting that its elders were among the first to accept Quaid-e-Azam's leadership and declare accession to Pakistan. He urged grievances to be resolved through dialogue and unity. Describing terrorists as agents of foreign enemies, he vowed to defeat their tactics and sought guidance to address any gaps in the government's response. He noted that Punjab had voluntarily contributed Rs11 billion from its own share to Balochistan under the 2010 NFC Award, calling it a 'spirit of solidarity.' PM announced Rs250 billion would be allocated to Balochistan in the upcoming federal development budget of Rs1 trillion, emphasizing transparent use of funds. Read more: PM heaps praise on armed forces for 'avenging 1971 war' against India He said a recent global drop in oil prices allowed a Rs10 per litre reduction in petrol and diesel, saving Rs1.5 billion to be used for upgrading the N-25 highway, known as the 'bloody highway.' Acknowledging Balochistan's vast geography and development challenges, PM reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to the province's progress and stability.
India.com
4 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Pakistan Planned Massive Strike Against India On May 10; How India Foiled Enemy Strategy
Operation Sindoor: In a big revelation, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has admitted before the global leaders that the Pakistani army planned a massive strike against India on May 10 morning. Speaking in the presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other leaders, Sharif said that Pakistan planned to strike India at 4.30 Am on May 10 after the Fajr prayers and its army was ready for the attack. "On the night of May 9-10 (after May 7 Operation Sindoor), we decided to respond in a measured fashion to Indian aggression. We had decided that at 4.30 in the morning after Fajr prayers, the Pakistan Armed Forces led very ably by our Field Marshal, Chief Army Staff sitting here, Sayyed Asim Munir, to teach a lesson to our enemy. But before that hour reached, India again launched missile attack using BrahMos, and hit various provinces of Pakistan, including the airport in Rawalpindi and other places," Sharif said during a speech in Azerbaijan in the presence of President Ilham Aliyev. Unknowingly, Sharif admitted the failure of its army and Field Marshal Asim Munir, confirming that India's pre-emptive strike foiled the Pakistani army's plan to attack India. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 by India to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed by Pak-backed terrorists. Without crossing the Line of Control or international boundary, Indian forces struck terrorist infrastructure and eliminated multiple threats. On the night of 07-08 May 2025, Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India including Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, using drones and missiles. These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) Grid and Air Defence systems. However, the Indian Air Defence systems detected, tracked, and neutralised threats using a network of radars, control centres, artillery, and both aircraft- and ground-based missiles. On May 10, India's offensive strikes targeted key Pakistani airbases- Noor Khan and Rahimyar Khan with surgical precision. Loitering munitions were used to devastating effect, each finding and destroying high-value targets, including enemy radar and missile systems. This forced Pakistani army to beg for a ceasefire with India.
India Today
5 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
A Baloch reproach: How Pakistan lies about India and Balochistan
On May 23, Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, held a press briefing alongside Interior Secretary Khurram Muhammad Agha in Islamabad. There, Chaudhry spoke about how the Pakistani military was a responsible force, how it was accountable to the people of the country, the freedom of expression the media allegedly enjoyed in Pakistan, and how the country respected the rights of religious minorities. He also claimed that Pakistan was a democratic remarks were aimed at convincing the public that Pakistan is better than its neighbour, India. As Chaudhry said, India controls its media, detains journalists, targets activists, and denies religious freedom to galoreThese statements are not only far from the truth but can easily be debunked by simply searching for 'how minorities are treated in Pakistan' on the internet. Pakistan has a sordid history of persecuting Ahmadis, burning down their places of worship, denying them dignity, and casting them out of society. Christians are treated even worse. The only jobs available to them often involve manual labour, such as cleaning gutters or working as toilet attendants. They are not seen as equals and are often not even regarded as human. Many are forced to live in small huts on the outskirts of cities, unable to live among the Muslim The country is also notorious for abducting and forcibly marrying underage Hindu girls, forcing them to convert to Islam. Those responsible for such crimes are often protected by the state. If the victims' families speak out, they are punished for allegedly tarnishing Pakistan's image. The killings of Shias and Hazaras are yet more examples of how the Pakistani state treats religious minorities within its sweeping claims about freedom of expression and the press in Pakistan compared to India are not only false but also an attempt by the Pakistani military to create a false narrative and distract from its crimes and acts of terrorism. In Pakistan, the media is only free when it serves the interests of the military and the ruling who report on the brutalities committed by the Pakistani forces or who speak about the persecution of Baloch, Pashtuns, Sindhis, Muhajirs, Kashmiris, Ahmadis, Shias, Christians, and Hindus are targeted, and the news organisations they work for are often banned or forced to conform. Many journalists have faced persecution for their work, and many remain behind bars. On May 24, a Baloch journalist was targeted and killed by Pakistani forces in the Awaran district of Balochistan, further demonstrating the so-called freedom of the press in press briefing was filled with lies and misinformation. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry blamed India for the situation in Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan, citing the attack in Khuzdar on May 21 as an example. Without providing any concrete evidence, the spokesman for the Pakistani Armed Forces relied on social media posts and news reports, stating that because Indian media reported the attack, India must have been involved in targeting a so-called military school Pakistani government, military, and the media blamed the Baloch Liberation Army without presenting a shred of evidence. They even went as far as to share doctored videos, falsely claiming that children were targeted in the attack. Independent sources have reported that the actual target was military personnel and that a significant number of them were killed. So far, no Baloch or other militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack.A bloody historySince its inception, Pakistan has relied on spreading false narratives to justify its brutal actions against political activists and human rights defenders. The same state that committed genocide against Bengalis still dares to sit before the press and blame India for supporting Bangladesh, conveniently ignoring its role in denying the democratic mandate of Bengalis and pushing them toward seeking independence from Pakistan's oppressive Pakistan's claims that India supports Baloch armed groups are irrelevant. It was not India that invaded and occupied Balochistan in 1948 using military force. It was not India that carried out five major military operations against the Baloch people, killing thousands of civilians. India is not the one behind the enforced disappearances of Baloch did not betray Agha Abdul Karim Khan and Nawab Nauroz Khan. It did not overthrow the elected National Awami Party government. It did not test nuclear weapons in the populated region of Chaghi without evacuating locals. It did not assassinate Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti or the leaders of the Baloch National Movement and Baloch Republican Party, including Ghulam Mohammad Baloch, Sher Mohammad Baloch, and Lala Munir Baloch. It did not target the Baloch Students Organisation Azad or abduct and kill countless of its did not murder professors like Saba Dashtyari and Zahid Askani for their educational contributions and love for their homeland. Nor did it kill thousands of Baloch citizens in torture camps, including the son of Mama Qadeer Baloch and the father of Dr Mahrang is the Pakistani state that is responsible for abducting and killing political activists and leaders, such as the father of Sammi Deen, who has been missing for 16 years. It is the Pakistani state that murders Baloch citizens and buries them in mass are just a few examples of the countless atrocities committed by the Pakistani state in Balochistan over the past 27 ignorance and its failure to understand the Baloch issue are evident even in its language. The ISPR director general refers to the Baloch people as "Balochi", a term that refers to the language. A person who does not even know the difference between the people and their language claims to have authority over them and to decide who their leaders are. His tone and body language during the briefing reflected a deep-seated hatred toward the Baloch people, a sentiment the people of Balochistan are all too familiar with. This hatred is not new; it has been a consistent part of the state's Sharif Chaudhry also launched a personal attack on Dr Mahrang Baloch, the prominent leader of the Baloch people, claiming she does not enjoy popular support. This is the most blatant lie of the entire press conference. Dr Mahrang Baloch is arguably the only leader in recent times who has garnered such widespread support from the Baloch nation. Her popularity is rooted in her struggle and the people's trust, and the lies and fabrications of military spokesmen will not diminish Pakistani state, its military establishment, intelligence agencies, and so-called democratic governments have consistently used brutal force against the people of Balochistan to suppress their struggle. This mindset remains unchanged, and it continues to be reflected in their statements and press briefing was yet another attempt by the Pakistani state to fabricate a deceptive image of itself, diverting attention from its long record of oppression, human rights violations, and state-sponsored violence, particularly in Balochistan. By making hollow comparisons with India and presenting itself as a democratic, tolerant, and accountable nation, Pakistan continues to deny the harsh realities endured by its citizens, especially those in occupied historical denialism, and attacks on credible Baloch voices are central components of the state's propaganda machinery. Yet no amount of narrative manipulation can erase the suffering, the sacrifices, or the unyielding resistance of the Baloch nation.(Hakeem Baloch is the focal person for the Baloch National Movement's foreign department. He is a freelance journalist and regularly writes about human rights issues and current affairs in Balochistan.)(Views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author)Tune InTrending Reel
