Pakistan Response to India
The Pakistan-India war, rooted in decades of border disputes and political tensions, continues to influence the geopolitical scenario of South Asia. Recent tensions, especially after the militant attacks in Indian-held Kashmir, have reactivated tensions, with India launching missiles into Pakistani territory. This article offers a detailed, interesting analysis of Pakistan’s reaction to India’s attacks, examining its military responses, the dynamics of Kashmir border clashes, and the wider implications for peace. From Pakistan’s military response to the challenges of maintaining an India-Pakistan ceasefire, we’ll uncover the complexities of this ongoing rivalry.
Background of the Pakistan-India Conflict
The India-Pakistan rivalry began in the 1947 partition of British India, which established two sovereign states and ignited a bitter rivalry over Kashmir. The Muslim-majority area, both claimed by the two states but separated by the Line of Control (LoC), is the focal point of their rivalry.
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Historical Background: The initial Indo-Pakistani war (1947-1948) was concluded by a UN-brokered ceasefire, splitting the LoC. Since the 1965 and 1999 wars and other skirmishes, tensions have been heightened.
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Previous Skirmishes and Ceasefires: Significant confrontations include India’s 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot air strikes following militant attacks. A 2021 ceasefire agreement temporarily eased tensions but was resumed later.
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Kashmir’s Role: Kashmir border skirmishes are at the forefront of the conflict, with both sides blaming the other for aiding militancy. LoC is one of the most militarized borders in the world, to and fro with occasional firing.
Tension is being kept up against the backdrop of Kashmir’s strategic location and emotional significance, turning both countries into hotspots.
Actionable Tip: Learn about the Kashmir conflict by tracking reputable news sources such as Al Jazeera or BBC for balanced views on the conflict’s history and recent trends.
Recent Indian Attacks on Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir
Targeted Locations by India
On 7 May 2025, India conducted Operation Sindoor, a series of missile attacks on nine targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. They included Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Bahawalpur, to which India asserted the attacks had targeted “terrorist infrastructure” of the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists.
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Indian Claims: India’s Defence Ministry characterized the strikes as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory” against militant camps run by organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba. Aircraft such as Rafale jets with SCALP missiles purportedly did not enter Pakistani airspace in an effort to avoid escalation.
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Pakistan’s Reports: Pakistan registered heavy civilian casualties with three dead (one a child) and 12 injured. Muridke’s residential areas and mosque were hit, contrary to Indian claims of precision.
The raids increased tensions of an expanded war, each side responding with shelling along the LoC.
Why Does Pakistan Conduct Military Raids on India?
The Pahalgam attack, in which militants had attacked Hindu pilgrims, was the immediate trigger for India’s attacks and Pakistan’s counterattacks. The attack is a repeated cycle of retaliatory violence across borders.
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Pahalgam Attack: The Resistance Front (TRF), which has been allegedly funded by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, first claimed responsibility for the attack and then retracted the statement. India accused Pakistan of sponsoring the attack, which Pakistan refuted.
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First Historical Trend: Historical precedents, including the 2019 Pulwama attack, resulted in Indian air strikes, which were followed by Pakistani counterstrikes. Pakistan retaliates when it feels provoked and needs to assert its sovereignty.
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Pakistan’s Stance: Pakistan asked for a third-party investigation of the Pahalgam attack, refuting any involvement and attributing India’s attacks to a guise for provocation.
The above triggers depict the tit-for-tat nature that characterizes the war between India and Pakistan, with both sides justifying their responses as defensive in nature.
Actionable Tip: To know what drives military responses, track statements from each country’s ministry of defense on social media sites such as X for live updates on their frames.
Pakistan Military Response to Indian Attacks
How Does Pakistan Respond to Indian Attacks?
Pakistan’s response to India’s attacks in May 2025 was composite and rapid, with the use of both political and military responses.
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Air Defence and Fighter Aircraft: Pakistan deployed air defence and employed fighter planes as well, reporting the destruction of five Indian planes, whereas India has refuted these losses.
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Cross-Border Shelling: The Pakistani military utilized artillery as a response on the LoC by firing at Indian military positions after India’s retaliation.
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Political Rhetoric: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif labelled India’s aggression an “act of war” with a threat of strong retaliation. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif again asserted Pakistan’s preparedness, even threatening nuclear use against threats to its existence.
The Pakistani action is intended to discourage possible Indian aggression while enhancing national morale.
Where Does Pakistan Attack India?
Most of Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes are targeted at Indian-occupied Kashmir and the border areas along the LoC.
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Major Sites: Pakistani shelling and missile attacks target Indian military camps and purported militant camps in districts such as Kupwara, Baramulla, and Poonch.
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Strategic Significance: All these sites are strategically important, with Indian security personnel and installations. Targeting them reflects Pakistan’s determination without proceeding to civilian areas.
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Pin-Point Strikes: Pakistan seeks targeted strikes to keep civilian casualties at a minimum, although India says civilian casualties are in border settlements.
This emphasis on military objectives is a response to Pakistan trying to counter the “surgical strikes” narrative without full war.
Actionable Tip: Take advantage of interactive conflict trackers such as those on the Council on Foreign Relations site to follow along where Pakistan and India conflict militarily along the LoC.
The Dynamics of Kashmir Border Clashes
Kashmir border clashes remain a persistent element of the conflict between Pakistan and India, with the LoC witnessing frequent exchanges.
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Frequent Exchanges: Since April 24, 2025, there have been small-arms and artillery exchanges, with Pakistan reporting 12 consecutive nights of ceasefire violations until May 6.
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Civilian Impact: Shelling has forced residents on both sides out of their homes, with reports of houses being destroyed and civilian casualties. Residents in Pakistan-administered Kashmir escaped to the hills during India’s shelling.
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Militant Groups: India blames Pakistan for sheltering groups such as TRF, and Pakistan blames India for sheltering anti-Pakistan militants. Allegations of this kind make de-escalation difficult.
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Ceasefire Tests: India-Pakistan 2021 ceasefire has disintegrated, with both parties accusing one another of breaching it. Meddling calls from the outside world to show restraint by the US and UN have made little headway.
LoC volatility highlights the challenge of maintaining peace in a region that is characterized by widespread distrust.
Actionable Tip: Stand behind humanitarian bodies such as the Red Crescent operational in Kashmir to provide succor to victims of cross-border conflicts among the civilian population.
Assessing Pakistan’s Response to Indian Aggression
Is Pakistan responding constructively against Indian aggression? It is all a matter of balance between military, political, and diplomatic returns.
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Military Effectiveness: Pakistan’s assertions of shooting down Indian aircraft and repelling attacks portray defense capability, although the unfounded loss takes away credibility. Its swift mobilization of air defenses portrays preparedness.
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Political Impact: Asif and Sharif’s bravado has rallied national sentiment, reinforcing Pakistan’s image as a tough country. Diplomatic measures, like asking for an impartial investigation, position Pakistan as a peacemaker.
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Weaknesses: Civilian deaths in Pakistan-administered Kashmir undermine the argument of accuracy, evoking global outrage. US, Chinese, and Iranian pressure to decelerate activities constrain Pakistan’s options.
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Escalation vs. Deterrence: The retaliatory move by Pakistan ensures that it would never be the aggressor’s victim, but the reciprocity cycle makes escalations a fact, particularly given that both countries possess nuclear capability. Past experience indicates that sporadic attacks will not deter prolonged Indian action.
Pakistan’s response is operationally sound but strategically flawed in avoiding future crises.
Actionable Tip: Read policy briefs of think tanks such as Chatham House to comprehend the larger implications of Pakistan’s military actions.
Recent Pakistan-India Border Skirmishes: A Timeline
The recent Pakistan-India border skirmishes between 2024-2025 reflect an escalation pattern.
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October 2024: Terrorist attacks in Kashmir, including the Reasi bus attack, kill nine. India accuses Pakistan, raising LoC tensions.
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April 22, 2025: 26 tourists killed in Pahalgam attack, starting diplomatic fallout, and April 24 onwards LoC clashes.
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April 28, 2025: Pakistan’s Defense Minister threatens imminent Indian attack based on intelligence.
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May 1, 2025: Pakistan shoots down two Indian drones, further increasing rhetoric.
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May 6-7, 2025: India’s Operation Sindoor strikes Pakistan, replied to by Pakistani artillery and claims of downing Indian planes.
The foregoing incidents indicate the vulnerability of ceasefire pacts and the danger of rapid escalation.
Actionable Tip: Design a timeline infographic on platforms such as Canva to monitor and post important events in the Pakistan-India conflict for educational purposes.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s reaction to India’s recent aggression is a three-way combination of military mobilization, political maneuvering, and diplomatic activity. From the deployment of air defense to Kashmir border skirmishes, Pakistan tries to deter an adversary while being subjected to global pressure. Pakistan’s retaliation in the guise of Pakistan air attacks and shelling is adamant but risks escalating the Pakistan-India conflict. The erosion of the India-Pakistan ceasefire and civilian loss are reminders that diplomacy must walk hand in hand with defense. As both countries walk a tightrope, de-escalation through neutral mediation and fresh ceasefire negotiations is key to South Asian stability.
Last Word: The way forward is to resolve the core causes of the Kashmir issue through negotiations so that military reactions do not take over from the cost of war in human terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Pakistan react to Indian aggression?
A: Pakistan generally activates air defense, employs fighter jets, and conducts cross-LoC shelling. It also makes aggressive political threats of retaliation with a call for international agencies to assist in de-escalation.
Q: Why does Pakistan retaliate against India?
A: Indian retaliatory raids on militant incursions in Indian-held Kashmir, such as the 2025 Pahalgam raid, result in a Pakistani response to repel Indian aggression and deter any association with militancy.
Q: Where does Pakistan retaliate against India?
A: Pakistan retaliates against Indian military bases and purported militant camps inside Indian-occupied Kashmir, targeting LoC-bordering regions such as Kupwara and Poonch to deter Indian aggression.
Q: How effective is Pakistan’s retaliatory response to Indian aggression?
A: Pakistan’s response is effective militarily in terms of demonstration of resolve, but limited by civilian casualties and diplomatic pressure, so long-term deterrence is difficult.
Q: What are the recent Pakistan-India border confrontations?
A: Key battles in 2024-2025 include the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, LoC retaliatory clashes, and Indian May 2025 missile strikes, and retaliatory Pakistani strikes.
