Tensions between India and Pakistan have once again come into focus following strong remarks by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, who claimed that India was forced to reconsider its military posture during the brief confrontation between the two countries in May this year.
Speaking at an event marking the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Zardari referred to recent comments made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on bilateral relations and issued a warning against what he described as Indian aggression.
Zardari asserted that India could not sustain military pressure beyond four days during the standoff and claimed Pakistan’s response compelled New Delhi to reassess the consequences of conflict. He described warfare as “not a child’s play,” suggesting that India realised the costs and risks involved in escalation.
However, Zardari’s remarks contrast with international assessments and open-source intelligence, including satellite imagery and video footage, which indicated that Pakistani military installations suffered significant damage during Indian strikes. Reports circulating globally suggested multiple Pakistani air bases were hit, fighter jets were downed, and casualties were inflicted during the exchange.
The Pakistani President praised Army Chief Syed Asim Munir, crediting him with taking a firm stand and safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty. Zardari portrayed Munir as a decisive leader whose actions, he claimed, strengthened Pakistan’s position domestically and internationally. He also stated that former US President Donald Trump had praised Munir’s leadership, though no independent confirmation of such remarks has been provided.
Zardari further claimed that Pakistan’s political and social unity had sent a strong message to its adversaries, asserting that party workers and supporters were prepared to make sacrifices if required. Rejecting the idea that economic challenges could weaken Pakistan’s resolve, he said the country was capable of responding “by any means possible.”
India, meanwhile, has maintained that its actions were limited and measured. New Delhi has said that Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeted terror infrastructure following the Pahalgam terror attack, emphasising that the objective was deterrence rather than escalation.
