Saturday, March 29, 2025
Amid rising tensions after India’s Operation Sindoor, Pakistan appears to be under serious internal pressure. In a significant diplomatic move, Pakistan’s newly appointed National Security Advisor (NSA), General Asim Malik, has reached out to his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval. The development comes in the wake of missile strikes by Indian forces on terrorist infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on the night of May 6–7.
According to reports, General Malik—who also heads Pakistan’s notorious intelligence agency ISI—assumed his NSA position just a week ago. The contact between the two NSAs was confirmed during an interview given by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Turkish media.
While acknowledging the diplomatic contact between the two nations, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s intent to retaliate. Citing Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Dar claimed that Pakistan reserves the right to respond to India’s actions. He further stated that Pakistan’s National Security Council has authorized military countermeasures.
Dar also condemned India’s cross-border strike, calling it a violation of international law. Despite initiating a backchannel communication with India, Pakistan continues to issue public threats, reflecting a dual-track strategy of engagement and intimidation.
Following the Indian airstrikes, Pakistan has taken multiple defensive steps. Reports indicate blackouts in Rawalpindi, the military headquarters of Pakistan, and other strategic locations. High alert has been declared in hospitals across Islamabad.
Military evacuations are reportedly underway in Punjab province. In cities like Sialkot and at various airbases, power outages and civilian relocations have been observed. The Pakistani army has asked local populations to move to safer areas, indicating fear of further escalation.
On the Line of Control (LoC), Pakistan has continued intermittent shelling, to which the Indian army is responding effectively. The overall situation on the border remains tense, with both nations on high alert.
