In the early hours of Saturday, missile strikes from India triggered a swift response from Pakistan, which has dubbed its latest operation against its neighbor as Bunyan-un-Marsoos.
Around 3:30 am, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), reported that India targeted several Pakistan Air Force (PAF) bases, including Nur Khan in Chaklala, Murid in Chakwal, and Rafiqui in Shorkot, Jhang district. He reassured that all air force assets remained unharmed.
During a press conference, he expressed concern that India was “pushing the entire region toward a perilous war with its reckless behavior, aggression, and deceit.” The DG ISPR also mentioned that India had launched missiles at Afghanistan and employed drones for attacks as well.
The military spokesperson noted that “the majority” of the Indian missiles aimed at PAF airbases were successfully intercepted by the armed forces’ air defense systems.
He pointed out that the few Indian missiles that managed to slip through and “sneak in” have “not been able to inflict any damage” on the PAF’s flying assets, according to the initial damage assessment reports.
The DG ISPR stated that the armed forces’ air defense systems successfully “prevented India from achieving its intended objectives.”
He described the missile and drone attacks by India on Afghanistan, which occurred shortly after strikes in Indian Punjab, as “part of a larger, sinister plan aimed at plunging the region and beyond into chaos.”
The DG ISPR mentioned that the PAF has recorded the electronic signatures of all Indian missiles, including “the launch points and their intended targets.”
The military’s chief spokesperson reassured the nation that the armed forces are “alert and effectively countering all these cowardly acts of aggression from India.”
“These blatant acts of aggression by India reveal a growing paranoia within their mindset, which intensifies with each failed attempt. This paranoia only deepens as they realize they cannot shake the resolve and determination of the people of Pakistan, which only strengthens with every cowardly act.”
He added that this “escalating frustration and paranoia” among the Indians would be “further exacerbated.”
At 4:38 am, state-run PTV News reported that the Pakistani military had initiated its counter-attack in response to Indian aggression.
At 5:52 AM, PTV News and Radio Pakistan reported that the Pakistani military has taken out a storage facility for BrahMos missiles located in India’s Beas region as part of their retaliatory operation called ‘Bunyan-un-Marsoos.’
They mentioned that attacks were still happening in various locations across India.
Additionally, the statement noted that an air base in Udhampur and an airfield in Pathankot were also destroyed.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has confirmed the launch of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos against the “enemy.”
“Long live Pakistan — May Allah protect our falcons,” the minister shared in a post on X.
PPP Senator Sherry Rehman remarked that Pakistan has shown precision and strategic integrity by focusing solely on Indian military targets during the recent conflict.
“In tonight’s unprovoked attack by India, civilian populations in Pakistan have once again faced indiscriminate assaults,” Rehman stated. “This highlights the clear difference in our approach.”
At 6:13 am, PTV News reported in a video update that the storage site of the BrahMos missile was destroyed.
At 6:50 AM IST (6:20 AM PKT), The Times of India shared that loud explosion-like sounds were reported in Punjab’s Pathankot district early Saturday morning.
“The blasts, which were heard around 5 AM, have yet to be officially confirmed by authorities. A blackout was imposed in Pathankot on Friday night, with officials advising residents to stay indoors as a safety precaution,” the report stated.
PTV News mentioned at 6:29 AM that Pakistani drones were spotted flying over India’s capital, New Delhi.
Shortly after, the government posted on X that Pakistan had targeted significant Indian military sites in a “befitting response” as part of its retaliatory operation named Bunyan-un-Marsoos.
“These actions are a direct response to India’s initial attack, which was an assault on our homeland, our people, and our sovereignty,” the statement explained, referring to Indian missile strikes on three PAF airbases.
PTV News further reported at 7:13 AM that the PAF’s JF-17 Thunder had successfully destroyed India’s S-400 system in Adampur, noting that this air defense system is valued at around $1.5 billion.
Additionally, PTV News indicated that many Indian websites, including the BJP’s official site and the Border Security Forces (BSF), have been hacked as Pakistan’s counterattack continues.
Other compromised websites included the Crime Research Investigation Agency, Mahanagar Telecommunication Company Limited, Bharat Earth Movers Limited, All India Naval Technical Supervisory Staff Association, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and the Unique Identification Authority of India.
“Data from hacked sites includes information from the Indian Air Force, Maharashtra Election Commission, and others,” the statement added. “Moreover, over 2,500 surveillance cameras have also been compromised.”
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar chatted with Geo News around 7am, sharing that Pakistan is currently on the defensive and feels compelled to respond to India’s military actions.
“The spectacle that India has put on over the last three days is something we won’t allow them to use to assert dominance. The Pakistan Armed Forces and our government are resolute in ensuring that doesn’t happen.
“This operation we kicked off today will reach a conclusion, but it all hinges on India’s next moves,” he stated.
“Pakistan had no other option; our civil-military leadership decided to act after the attack on Nur Khan Air Base. We’ve run out of patience. We’re simply giving them a response.
“We’ve shown a great deal of patience up to this point. There’s a limit we can’t cross, especially when it comes to hypocrisy and double standards,” he added.
For the latest updates and insights on new developments, visit the NEWSON
Q1.What triggered the latest conflict between India and its neighbor?
In the early hours of Saturday, missile strikes launched by New Delhi targeted multiple air force bases across the neighboring country. This provoked an immediate retaliatory response, dubbed Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos by the responding nation.
Q2.Which airbases were initially targeted by India?
India reportedly launched strikes on several strategic airbases, including Nur Khan (Chaklala), Murid (Chakwal), and Rafiqui (Shorkot, Jhang). However, military officials confirmed that no critical assets were harmed.
Q3.What is Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos?
This is the retaliatory military operation launched by the South Asian country in response to India’s missile aggression. It involved missile strikes, drone surveillance, and cyber warfare.
Q4.What damage was inflicted in response?
The responding forces claimed the destruction of:
-
A BrahMos missile storage site in Beas
-
Airfields in Udhampur and Pathankot
-
The S-400 air defense system in Adampur, valued at over $1.5 billion
Q5.Were Indian websites and infrastructure compromised?
Yes. As part of cyber retaliation, several Indian government websites and institutions were reportedly hacked, including:
-
BJP’s official site
-
Border Security Forces (BSF)
-
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
-
Over 2,500 surveillance cameras
Q6.How has the international community responded?
As of now, global leaders have not issued formal responses. However, analysts warn of growing instability in the region if tensions continue to escalate.
