Latest news with #PakistanISPR
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Cornered and battered, Pakistan banks on Trump to ‘arrange' talks with India post-Op Sindoor
After Donald Trump falsely claimed brokering a ceasefire, Pakistani leaders from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Bilawal Bhutto are wooing the US president to arrange talks with India. read more Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief General Asim Munir attend the funeral of a person killed in an Indian airstrike on a terrorist facility conducted on May 7, 2025, under Operation Sindoor. (Photo: Pakistan ISPR) After suffering a beating in Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has sought US President Donald Trump's help in arranging talks with India. After Trump falsely claimed credit for the India-Pakistan ceasefire, Pakistani leaders have launched a full-scale drive to appease the US president. While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made appeals at the US Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari amplified the appeal in Washington DC. In addition to appeals to Trump, Pakistani leaders have also continued their disinformation campaign about the Pahalgam attack, with Shehbaz saying at the US Embassy event that the attack was a false-flag operation by India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In response to the Pahalgam attack on April 22, India on the night of May 6 launched 'Operation Sindoor' under which it struck terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK). After Pakistan attacked Indian cities and military bases, India began striking Pakistani military sites, including more than a dozen airbases, radar sites, and air defence units. After four days of beating, Pakistan requested a ceasefire on May 10 and India granted the request. Bilawal, a coalition partner of Shehbaz and a former foreign minister, is currently on a visit to the United States where he is a leading a high-level delegation as part of an outreach in the wake of the last month's conflict. It comes after India dispatched all-party delegations to various countries to convey India's message about terrorism, the Pahalgam attack, and Operation Sindoor. Trump should arrange 'comprehensive dialogue' with India, says Bilawal In an interaction with journalists in Washington DC, Bilawal said that Pakistan wants Trump to arrange 'comprehensive dialogue' with India. 'On 10 different occasions, he [Trump] has taken credit for facilitating the ceasefire between India and Pakistan — and rightly so. He deserves that credit, because it was his efforts that helped make the ceasefire possible. So, if the US is willing to help Pakistan in maintaining this ceasefire, it is reasonable to expect that an American role in arranging a comprehensive dialogue would also be beneficial for us,' said Bilawal, according to Dawn. Mocking India's centrality in the Indian Ocean Region and role in the Indo-Pacific region, where India looks at itself as a net security provider, Bilawal said that India was not even a 'paperweight' and should not at all be considered a counterweight to China. On his part, Shehbaz said that Trump is 'a man for peace'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'President Trump is a man against escalation and a man against cold and hot war,' Shehbaz further said. Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that dialogue should India be on all issues and not just on terrorism as India maintains. Dar said that dialogue should cover issues like terrorism, the Indus Waters Treaty, and broader bilateral issues, according to Dawn. 'Whenever they [Indians] want a dialogue, at any level, they will find us ready, but we are not desperate,' said Dar.
First Post
26-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Operation Sindoor: Why India succeeds as democracy and Pakistan falters as garrison state
The way the two countries responded to the Pahalgam attack shows shy India has succeeded as a democracy and why Pakistan has faltered as a garrison state. read more Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief General Asim Munir attend the funeral of a person killed in an Indian airstrike on a terrorist facility conducted on May 7, 2025, under Operation Sindoor. (Photo: Pakistan ISPR) The Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor did not just establish India's military superiority over Pakistan but also brought to fore the differences between the two countries: while India has succeeded as a democracy, Pakistan has faltered as a garrison state that sponsors terrorism as a state policy. After the Pahalgam attack, India set in motion a plan to corner Pakistan diplomatically, punish terrorists and their backers militarily, and impose long-term costs, such as the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. On the other hand, even as much of the world condemned the attack and called out terrorism, Pakistan launched a disinformation campaign to pass off the Pahalgam attack as a false-flag operation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shortly after the massacre at Pahalgam, Pakistan started operating as per its plan. It broke the yearslong ceasefire to mount cross-border attacks, vacated terrorist launchpads along the Line of Control (LoC), and started deploying troops and heavy equipment to forward areas. With the Pahalgam attack as a bait, Pakistan wanted to drag India into a full-scale war. But India did not take the bait. Instead, with Operation Sindoor, India struck terrorist sites in Pakistan, hammered its military, avoided the trap of war, and called out the country's nuclear bluff. With Operation Sindoor, India struck nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) on the intervening night of May 6-7. On May 7, Pakistan mounted unsuccessful aerial attacks across northern and western India. As a result, India struck Pakistan air defence sites on May 8. As Pakistani military targeted dozens of locations in India, including the holy city of Amritsar and gurdwara in J&K's Poonch, the Pakistani public rallied around the military that sponsors terrorists. In India, the government elected by the people rallied around the flag as the Indian government —a democratic government chosen by the people— organised the nation's defences against a barrage of missiles and drones and responded with force. The difference was clear: while India struck terrorists who carried out the Pahalgam attack and many others, Pakistan attacked India on behalf of those terrorists; while the Indian society rallied around the flag for the defence of the nation, the Pakistani society rallied around the Pakistani military that was attacking India on behalf of terrorists. In India, the success or the failure of Operation Sindoor would rest with the Executive headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In Pakistan, it is an open secret that the real power rests with Pakistani Army chief Field Marshal (then General) Asim Munir. Modi is accountable to the people and has come to office after elections — three times. Munir, on the other hand, is an unelected armyman who has no diplomatic mandate — except for the support he has drawn from Pakistan's public in the name of jihad by attacking India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As Firstpost has previously reported, one of the reasons for the Pahalgam attack was to restore the military's primacy in the country and bring Islamism to an even more central place in the Pakistani society. On the other hand, India's rationale for Operation Sindoor was simple: punish the terrorists and their backers and impose costs to minimise the frequency of such attacks. As India calls out terror, Pakistan appeases jihadists At a time when India is witnessing bipartisan opposition to terrorism, Pakistan has continued to honour terrorists and appease fellow state sponsors of terrorists. In the clearest sign of the state sponsorship of terrorism, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief Munir attended funerals of those killed in Indian airstrikes on terrorist sites in Pakistan and POJK. Moreover, a US-sanctioned terrorist leader, Hafiz Abdul Rauf, led funeral prayers for terrorists killed in Indian airstrikes. The funeral was attended by top military and civilian officials: Lt Gen Fayyaz Hussain Shah, the 4 Corps Commander; Maj Gen Rao Imran Sartaj, the General Officer Commanding 11 Infantry Division; Brigadier Mohd Furqan Shabbir, the Commander 15 Mechanised Brigade; Usman Anwar, the Inspector General of Police for Punjab; and Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bherth, a Member of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While India has deployed bipartisan delegations of members of parliament to brief several countries about the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has been busy appeasing Turkey that supported it in the conflict with India. At a time when Indian parliamentary delegations are touring various capitals, Shehbaz went to Turkey with Munir to thank Turkey for providing weapons to attack India. Manoj Gupta of CNN-News 18 has reported sources as saying that the aim of Shehbaz and Munir's visit is to consolidate Turkey-Pakistan collaboration against Indian interests following Operation Sindoor.
First Post
13-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Operation Sindoor: Pakistan admits 11 soldiers killed, 78 injured
In India's response to Pakistani attacks on Indian military and civilian sites, at least 11 personnel were killed and 78 were injured, according to Pakistani military read more Advertisement Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief General Asim Munir attend the funeral of a person killed in an Indian airstrike on a terrorist facility conducted on May 7, 2025, under Operation Sindoor. (Photo: Pakistan ISPR) Pakistan has said that at least 11 soldiers were killed in the exchange of fire over the past week. After India launched airstrikes on nine terrorist sites under Operation Sindoor on May 7, Pakistan responded with attacks on Indian military and civilian sites. This led to Indian bombardment that hammered at least eight Pakistani airbases in addition to air defence installations, radar sites, and other military facilities. The two sides were also locked in intense cross-border firing along the Line of Control and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India has said that at least 35-40 Pakistani soldiers were killed in India's response to Pakistan's cross-border firing. India has also said that more than 100 terrorists were also killed in Indian strikes, which included high value targets like Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudassir Ahmad, who were involved in the IC-814 hijacking. Pakistan has said that six among the dead were from the Army and five were from the Air Force. It further said that 78 soldiers were injured. Pakistan said that the following personnel from the Army were killed: Naik Abdul Rehman Lance Naik Dilawar Khan Lance Naik Ikramullah Naik Waqar Khalid Sepoy Muhammad Adeel Akbar Sepoy Nisar Pakistan said that the following personnel from the Air Force were killed: Squadron Leader Usman Yousuf Chief Technician Aurangzeb Senior Technician Najeeb Corporal Technician Farooq Senior Technician Mubashir The way Pakistan joined the fight on the side of terrorists and its senior military and civilian officials attended terrorists' funerals showed the complicity between of Paksitani military in terrorism. ALSO READ: Operation Sindoor: Pakistan's 'innocent' man leading prayers is US-sanctioned terrorist Hafiz Abdur Rauf In response to Operation Sindoor, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and dubbed the period between May 7 and May 10 as Marka-e-Haq, loosely translated into English as Battle of Truth. While India made sure to not attack civilian sites, Pakistani attacks have caused great damage in the Jammu region, particularly in Poonch district where several houses and neighbourhoods have been shelled and people have had to flee for their lives. Pakistan also shelled a temple, a gurdwara, and a school in the district.
First Post
11-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Shehbaz Sharif hails peace, Pak Army sends drones to attack India. Who really rules Pakistan?
As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the US for the ceasefire with India on Saturday, the Pakistan Army sent a swarm of attack drones across the border to launch fresh attacks. Is there a rift in the country's top echelons? Who is really in charge in Pakistan? read more Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief General Asim Munir attend the funeral of a person killed in an Indian airstrike on a terrorist facility conducted on May 7, 2025, under Operation Sindoor. (Photo: Pakistan ISPR) Is there a divide in Pakistan after Operation Sindoor? As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the US for the ceasefire on Saturday, the Pakistan Army sent a swarm of drones across the border to attack India. Pakistan civilian governments and its military have historically been at odds. The country has been seen long periods of military rule since Independence. But what happened? What do we know? Who is really in charge in Pakistan? Let's take a closer look STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What happened? On Saturday, US President Donald Trump took to social media to announce a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. While the US tried to take credit for the development, Indian officials insisted no third party was involved. On Saturday, Sharif took to Twitter to praise Trump. 'We thank President Trump for his leadership and proactive role for peace in the region. Pakistan appreciates the United States for facilitating this outcome, which we have accepted in the interest of regional peace and stability," Sharif wrote on X. 'We also thank Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their valuable contributions for peace in South Asia. Pakistan believes this marks a new beginning in the resolution of issues that have plagued the region and prevented its journey toward peace, prosperity and stability,' he added. Pakistan violates agreement But Pakistan quickly violated the understanding between the countries. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took to X on Saturday night to state that explosions were being heard across Srinagar. 'This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up,' Abdullah added. Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi said several drones had been spotted over Kutch district. Foreign Secretary Vikram mystery confirmed the development at a briefing. Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary, India 'For the last few hours, there have been repeated violations of the understanding arrived at earlier this evening between the Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan. This is a breach of the understanding arrived at earlier today. The armed forces are giving an adequate and appropriate response and we take very very serious notice of these violations. We call upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and deal with the situation with seriousness and responsibility. The armed forces are maintaining a strong vigil on the situation. They have been given instruction to deal strongly with any instances of repetition of the violations of the borders along the International Border as well as the Line of Control,' Misri said, as per The Hindu. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan, however, remained insisted that it 'remains committed to faithful implementation ' of the ceasefire. 'Pakistan remains committed to faithful implementation of ceasefire between Pakistan and India, announced earlier today. Notwithstanding the violations being committed by India in some areas, our forces are handling the situation with responsibility and restraint. We believe that any issues in smooth implementation of the ceasefire should be addressed through communication at appropriate levels. The troops on ground should also exercise restraint,' the Pakistan Foreign Ministry said. Who is really in charge? That remains the question. Experts say the conflict provides a chance for Munir to take complete control of Pakistan – if he already hasn't. A piece in New Indian Express pointed out that General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq is Munir's idol. Zia, remember, codified the doctrine of 'bleeding India by a thousand cuts.' 'Gen Munir is heading what is being called a hybrid government. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has little say in policy matters. People know that the most powerful man sits in Rawalpindi, not Islamabad. But Gen Munir is doing a pretty shabby job at the helm,' the piece stated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Incidentally, it was General Zia who seized control of Pakistan in a 1977 military coup and ordered the hanging of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq is Asim Munir's idol. A piece in Indian Express stated that the ceasefire was agreed upon after Munir was able to play to his local audience. 'The next steps of establishing this uneasy truce, and the most challenging task will be that how long will the ceasefire hold — will be upto to the two militaries and the establishment in Pakistan, led by Gen Munir and his NSA-cum-ISI chief Lt Gen Malik,' the piece stated. Ejaz Hussain, a Lahore-based political and military analyst, told BBC that the situation 'presents an opportunity for the Pakistani military to regain public support'. 'The Army may try to build support particularly among the urban middle classes who have recently criticised it for perceived political interference," Hussan said. 'The military's active defence posture is already being amplified through mainstream and social media. Although these claims warrant independent verification, they serve to bolster the military's image among segments of the public that conventionally rally around national defence narratives in times of external threat," Hussain added STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Umer Farooq, an Islamabad-based analyst and a former correspondent of Jane's Defence Weekly, was quoted by BBC: 'We have a deeply fractured political society, with the country's most popular leader behind bars. Imran Khan's imprisonment triggered a strong anti-military public backlash." 'Today, the Pakistani public is far less eager to support the military compared to 2016 or 2019 – the usual wave of war hysteria is noticeably absent. But if public opinion shifts in central Punjab where anti-India feelings are more prevalent, we could see increased civilian pressure on the military to take action. And the military will regain popularity because of this conflict," Farooq added. Many blame Munir, who made at least one provocative speech before the Pahalgam attack, for the tensions between India and Pakistan. Munir in his speech at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad had called Kashmir Pakistan's 'jugular vein.' 'Our stance is very clear, it was our jugular vein, it will be our jugular vein, and we will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle," Munir said in the speech attended by Sharif. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also propagated Muhammad Ali Jinnah's two-nation theory. 'Our religions are different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our thoughts are different, our ambitions are different. That was the foundation of the two-nation theory that was laid there. We are two nations, we are not one nation," Munir said. Indian authorities said they were investigating whether the speech had inspired the terrorists to carry out the Pahalgam attack. Munir also previously was the chief of Pakistan's powerful Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) during the 2019 Pulwama attack. His tenure as ISI chief was cut short after the relationship went south with then prime minister Imran Khan. Khan later accused Munir – who as army chief is one of the most powerful men in Pakistan – of being behind his arrest. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, remember, had reached out to both Munir and Sharif prior to the ceasefire announcement. Rubio spoke to Munir and offered US assistance in starting 'constructive talks' with India to avoid future conflicts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Imran, who has been in jail for two years, had accused Asim Munir of ordering his arrest in a corruption case. Rubio 'continued to urge both parties to find ways to de-escalate,' a statement issued by Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said. Rubio 'offered US assistance in starting constructive talks in order to avoid future conflicts,' the statement added. 'Over the past 48 hours, VP Vance and I have engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik. I am pleased to announce that the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site. We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace,' Rubio wrote on X. 'Over the past 48 hours, VP Vance and I have engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik. I am pleased to announce that the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site. We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace,' he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Pakistani Supreme Court also recently strengthened Munir's hand when it cleared the way for civilians involved in the May 2023 protests after the arrest of Imran Khan to be tried by military courts. Lakhs of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members in May 2023 had taken to the streets to protest the arrest of ex-prime minister Imran Khan. The decision came as yet another blow to democracy in Pakistan. It remains to be seen what Munir will do next. With inputs from agencies
