War breaking: Pakistan moving troops into forward areas; Indian forces prepared and alert
PTC Web Desk: In a significant escalation of cross-border tensions, the Indian government has confirmed that Pakistan has begun moving troops to forward positions along the international border — marking the first such military build-up since the 1999 Kargil War. Addressing a press briefing on Saturday, officials noted that despite the provocative developments, Indian forces remain on high alert and fully prepared to defend national interests.
The briefing followed a massive offensive by Pakistan, which launched 'Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos' in the early hours of Saturday. The operation, named after a Quranic verse meaning "unbreakable wall," targeted 26 military locations and civilian infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat using drones, missiles, loitering munitions, and fighter jets.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the official spokespersons for the government on the ongoing conflict, emphasised that Pakistan’s movement of troops signals a clear offensive posture aimed at escalating the situation.
“The Pakistani military has been observed moving its troops to forward areas, indicating an intent to escalate. However, the Indian armed forces are maintaining a high level of operational readiness and have effectively countered all hostile actions,” Colonel Qureshi stated.
The Indian government reported damages at several air force bases, including Udhampur, Bhuj, Pathankot, and Bathinda. A “high-speed missile” reportedly struck an air base in Punjab, and earlier in the day, Indian forces successfully intercepted a Fateh-2 surface-to-surface missile in Sirsa.
Alarmingly, Pakistani strikes also targeted civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and school buildings located at air bases in Srinagar, Awantipur, and Udhampur — an act India has condemned as deeply irresponsible and contrary to international norms.
“This once again exposes their disregard for civilian lives and infrastructure,” said Colonel Qureshi.
India’s retaliatory action
In a calibrated but firm response, Indian forces conducted precision strikes on six key Pakistani airbases: Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian. The strikes specifically targeted technical installations, command and control centres, radar stations, and weapons storage facilities, with efforts made to minimise collateral damage.
Additionally, radar infrastructure in Pasrur and an aviation facility in Sialkot were hit during the operation, the government confirmed.
Despite the rising tensions, India reiterated its stance of non-escalation, asserting that future action will depend on whether Pakistan chooses to halt its provocations.
The recent wave of Pakistani aggression comes in the aftermath of India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam Terror Attack, which claimed 26 lives. Operation Sindoor resulted in the destruction of nine terror camps across the border on Wednesday.
“Our actions are a direct response to terror and aggression. Any further hostilities will be met with decisive retaliation,” a senior defence official said.
- With inputs from agencies
