ISLAMABAD – Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said the onus is on India to take a step back and de-escalate rising tensions in the region.
In an interview with BBC News, Tarar stated that Pakistan was not the aggressor. He emphasized that Pakistan responded in self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
“We are not the ones escalating. We showed restraint. But India kept attacking our civilians,” Tarar told BBC.
According to Tarar, India continued its aggression for four days, targeting Pakistani civilian areas. In contrast, Pakistan responded by striking only military installations, avoiding civilian casualties.
“We buried innocent women and children. India hit our civilians. We only defended ourselves,” the minister asserted.
‘Operation Bunyan Marsoos’ Launched
On Saturday, Pakistan launched ‘Operation Bunyan Marsoos’ (Iron Wall) in retaliation to Indian missile strikes. State media reported that seven strategic locations inside India were targeted.
The sites hit included the Pathankot air base, Udhampur air base, Gujarat air base, Rajasthan air base, and a BrahMos missile storage facility.
Security sources confirmed these strikes as a direct response to Indian attacks on Pakistani soil.
India’s Earlier Strikes Targeted Air Bases in Pakistan
Late Friday, India fired air-to-ground missiles at three Pakistani air bases — Nur Khan (Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal), and Shorkot.
Director General of ISPR, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, held a press conference confirming the strikes. He said all assets of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) remained unharmed.
“By the grace of Allah Almighty, all PAF assets are safe,” said Gen. Chaudhry.
He warned India of a strong and timely response. “Now just wait for our response,” he said. He also revealed that India had fired missiles and drones into Afghanistan.
Pakistan Vows Full Force Defense
Gen. Chaudhry accused India of acting with arrogance and warned that such actions threaten regional stability.
“We are not afraid. We will fight with full force. We will not be bullied,” he said.
The military’s position remains firm: Pakistan will respond to every attack but will avoid escalation if India steps back.
Call for Peace
Information Minister Tarar reiterated that Pakistan wants peace but cannot stay silent while civilians are being attacked.
“India must de-escalate. The region needs stability, not war,” he urged.
As tensions mount, analysts fear the situation could spiral if diplomacy does not intervene. International voices are urging restraint and dialogue.
Pakistan has sent diplomatic messages to the United Nations and global allies, highlighting the latest developments and seeking intervention to avoid full-scale conflict.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates
