Photo : Dawn
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Dawn
In Focus
Pakistan Establishment Continues its Domestic Narrative: Claims of Tri-Service Responses, Attacks on Multiple Targets in India, including Brahmos Industry, Re-establishing Deterrence and Success in Digital Warfare
On 11 May, Dawn reported Pakistan’s armed forces making claims of striking 26 Indian targets under Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, in response to India’s airspace violations and earlier attacks on Pakistani air bases. In a joint press briefing, military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry detailed the strikes, targeting Indian military installations across J&K and mainland India. According to Dawn, Lt Gen Chaudhry emphasized Pakistan’s integrated tri-service response, highlighting real-time coordination and precision. According to Pakistan’s narrative, Indian bases at Suratgarh, Sirsa, Adampur, Bhooj, Nalia, Bathinda, Barnala, Halwara, Avantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Mamoon, Ambala, Udampur and Pathankot were damaged. Pakistan claimed to have downed five Indian jets, destroyed Indian brigade headquarters, military posts along the Line of Control, and Brahmos missile facilities.
Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed said the Pakistan Air Force’s response was deliberate, bold, and strategically timed. Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed stated that the PAF achieved a 6–0 score against the Indian Air Force, neutralising drones and intercepting a BrahMos missile. Training, not just the aircraft, defines air superiority, he said, defending Pakistan’s JF-17 against India’s Rafale. Vice Admiral Rab Nawaz said the Pakistan Navy ensured rapid operational readiness and monitored India’s aircraft carrier Vikrant. He stated that the enemy fully understood the cost of escalation at sea.
Claims of success in Pakistan’s Digital Warfare
On 12 May, an article by The News International titled “Pakistan’s digital retaliation cripples India, inflicts major strategic, economic losses” stated that in a limited yet devastating cyber counterattack. Pakistan deployed less than 10 per cent of its cyber arsenal, causing massive damage on India. Despite India's reputation as a global IT leader, the strike shocked its systems and economy. While Fateh-1, Fateh-2, and Babur missiles hit high-value Indian targets, including the S-400 radar, the real blow came in cyberspace: 10 SCADA arrays destroyed, 1,744 servers wiped, railways, power grids, and 13 government sites down. Mumbai ran on emergency backup, says the article. Pakistan also engaged in GPS spoofing, signal jamming, satellite blinding, and psychological drone operations. “This is fifth-generation warfare—firmware, fibre, frequency, and fear,” a source said. Indian special terrorist camps which plan and execute IED activities in Pakistan were also neutralised.
Pakistan did not ask for a ceasefire, but India did
On 11 May, DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry dismissed claims that Pakistan requested a ceasefire, asserting, “Let me put it on record: Pakistan never requested a ceasefire.” He said it was India that sought de-escalation after its “dastardly” 6–7 May attacks. Pakistan only responded after launching Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos in retaliation. He said Pakistan responded “two-notch” higher using conventional forces.
Drums of Political support for military actions
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry announced Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and civilian leadership for critical support. Chaudhry called war “sheer stupidity” between nuclear-armed nations, stressing that any conflict could threaten over 1.6 billion lives. He stated, “whenever our sovereignty is threatened and our territorial integrity violated, the response will be comprehensive, retributive, and decisive.”
Citizens from Karachi to Peshawar took to the streets in rallies organised by political parties, religious groups, and civil society. In Peshawar, the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) held a rally from Hashtnagari to Bala Hisar Fort, led by Syed Zahir Ali Shah. Similar demonstrations occurred nationwide, with large public participation. Speakers stressed that Pakistan remains united, and ready to defend its sovereignty against any threat.
Bringing Trump and the US in
On 12 May, report in Dawn titled “Kashmir takes centre stage as fragile ceasefire holds,” referred to Pakistan welcoming US President Donald Trump's offer to resolve the Kashmir dispute and end hostilities with India. The report claimed that though Kashmir issue was not explicitly mentioned in the ceasefire, Trump pledged continued efforts to resolve the dispute by stating “I will work with you both to see if, after a thousand years, a solution can be found regarding Kashmir.” Pakistan’s Foreign Office appreciated the US role and reaffirmed that any lasting settlement must align with UN Security Council resolutions and ensure Kashmiri self-determination. Islamabad expressed willingness to work with the US and deepen ties in trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Responses from Civil Society: Setting J&K, US Mediation
On 12 May, an editorial in Dawn titled “The Way Forward” opined that once the ceasefire is held and calm restored, India and Pakistan should immediately address “the unresolved Kashmir question”, which it claims is the biggest cause of instability in South Asia. The editorial speculates that India is likely to respond reluctantly to Washington's offer to mediate in the Kashmir issue, which it considers an "internal" matter; but that India may find it difficult to reject the proposal outright.
Reference:
Syed Irfan Raza, “Deterrence re-established, say armed forces,” Dawn, 12 May 2025
“Pakistan never requested ceasefire: DG ISPR briefs nation on military response to Indian aggression,” The Express Tribune, 11 May 2025
Tariq Naqash, “AJK villagers torn between fear and hope,” Dawn, 12 May 2025
Syed Irfan Raza, “Nation celebrates befitting response to aggression,” Dawn, 12 May 2025 Anwar Iqbal, “Kashmir takes centre stage as fragile ceasefire holds,” Dawn, 12 May 2025 “PAK AVM SAYS PAF vs IAF — 6-NIL: In Trump, Pakistan has found a great partner, says Shehbaz,” The News International, 12 May 2025
Kamran Yousaf, “After truce, Trump eyes Kashmir deal,” The Express Tribune, 12 May 2025
“Pakistan welcomes Trump’s Kashmir mediation offer,” The Express Tribune, 11 May 2025 “The way forward,” Dawn, 12 May 2025
“Comment: India tried to project strength but ended up showing weakness,” The News International, 12 May 2025
In Brief
ECONOMY
Impact on corporates and private owned businesses
On 12 May Dawn reported on the concerns of business community on Pakistan’s reliance on sea routes relating to costs for freight, insurance, and delays as Indian ports have blocked Pakistan-bound cargo. The report quoted Pakistan’s business leaders stating that they were caught off guard by India’s escalating aggression, which they initially viewed as non-escalatory, while some criticized India for the escalation, attributing it to “aggression to the ruling party’s hate-based narrative.” (“Corporates brace for economic upheaval”, Dawn, 12 May 2025)
“The funds provide essential leeway to address problems that have been holding back the country's economic potential,” states The Tribune
On 12 May, an editorial in The Tribune titled “IMF cash injection” stated relief as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved roughly USD 1 billion under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and USD 1.4 billion through the new Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) for Pakistan, especially as it overcame India’s alleged attempt to block the funds by abstaining from voting during the Executive Board vote amid heightened border tensions. The editorial highlights that the EFF disbursement is a vital support for Pakistan’s economic reforms and its leadership’s stabilization efforts, providing critical resources to bolster the country’s economic potential, and boost investor confidence. The funds are reported to strengthen foreign reserves and help attract private investment, particularly from overseas. The IMF’s recognition of Pakistan’s “significant progress” fosters transparency and confidence despite global economic challenges, the editorial said. (“IMF cash injection”, The Tribune, 12 May 2025)
Windstorms severely damage mango crops
On 12 May, Dawn reported on the damage to mango crops caused by windstorms that hit Hyderabad and surrounding regions such as Tando Allahyar and Mirpurkhas, which are known for their mango-rich orchards, on 3 and 4 May. The prices of mangoes went down in the market. The water shortage in February and March also severely impacted the produce. (Muhammed Husain Khan, “Agriculture: Horror high-winds and the mango plight,” Dawn, 12 May)
Pakistan’s aviation impacted amid escalating tensions
On 10 May evening, according to Dawn, despite some domestic flights resuming, 30 flights—mostly international—were cancelled at Islamabad Airport on 11 May. The Pakistan Airports Authority had earlier restricted airspace on 12 May but lifted the ban later in the day. Karachi, Lahore, and smaller airports like Multan and Sialkot also reported delays. (Mohammad Ashgar, “Flight delays, cancellations persist despite airspace reopening,” Dawn, 12 May 2025)
SECURITY
Attack on police in Peshawar and Gwadar
On 12 May, Dawn reported of two separate attacks in Peshawar and Gwadar on 11 May. In Peshawar a police van was targeted and the SSP Operations confirmed that two police officers were killed. According to the report, no group had claimed responsibility. In Gwadar, armed men engaged in an exchange of fire killing a police constable. (Behram Baloch “Two policemen martyred in Peshawar suicide attack,” Dawn, 12 May)