Dar says Pakistan acted in self-defence after Indian missile strikes 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan launched a military operation on Saturday, targeting Indian military sites in response to what it described as unprovoked missile attacks by India on several locations, including airbases.

The offensive, named Bunyan-un-Marsoos, marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan was acting in self-defence after India allegedly fired missiles at three airbases, including one close to the capital. He claimed Pakistan’s air defences intercepted most of the missiles but acknowledged casualties. 

“Eighty Indian drones have been shot down, and 35 Pakistani citizens have lost their lives in Indian strikes,” Dar told Geo News. He said India had targeted key airbases. 

Dar insisted the military action was not an offensive war, but a necessary response to ongoing Indian aggression. “We have only targeted the sources of attack. Our operation is precise and calculated,” he said, adding that the military had been on alert in anticipation of further hostilities. 

He also criticised India for what he called a campaign of misinformation following a recent incident in the Indian-administered region of Pahalgam. “They expelled our diplomats, closed the border, and made accusations without presenting a shred of evidence,” Dar said. 

Rejecting claims from New Delhi that it struck 15 Pakistani targets and maintained nuclear superiority, Dar accused Indian officials of spreading “non-stop lies” over the past two days. 

“The world can see we are responding within our right to self-defence. This isn’t about posturing — it’s about protecting our people and sovereignty,” he said, urging the international community to take notice. 

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, speaking separately to Reuters, expressed hope that diplomacy could still prevent further escalation. 

“We hope India will now choose dialogue over destruction. No one wants to see the nuclear threshold crossed,” he said. 

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