ISLAMABAD, Saturday, May 10, 2025 (WNP): In a swift and coordinated military response to Indian missile attacks, Pakistan early Saturday launched Operation Bunyan-al-Marsoos (Iron Wall), targeting multiple high-value Indian military and cyber infrastructure sites, security sources confirmed.
The operation, initiated shortly after Indian air-to-ground missile strikes on Pakistan Air Force (PAF) bases in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, and Shorkot, saw precision missile attacks on seven major Indian military installations, including the Pathankot, Udhampur, Gujarat, and Rajasthan airbases, as well as a BrahMos missile storage site.
Pakistan’s retaliation came hours after India’s provocative missile assault late Friday night. While confirming the earlier strikes, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that all PAF assets remained unharmed, crediting the country’s robust air defence systems.
“By the grace of Almighty Allah, no damage was done to our air assets,” said General Chaudhry, who had earlier warned of a “befitting response” to India’s “reckless aggression.” He also confirmed Indian drone and missile activity in Afghanistan, calling it a dangerous attempt to destabilize the region.
Religious resolve and symbolism
Operation Bunyan-al-Marsoos, named after the Quranic verse from Surah Al-Saff (61:4) meaning “a solid, united structure,” began after Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir offered Fajr prayers and recited the verse believed to reflect the spiritual unity and resolve of Pakistan’s armed forces.
“This operation embodies the unity and determination of our forces to defend the nation with strength and faith,” a military statement read.
High-value targets neutralised
According to security officials, the Pakistan Army deployed Al-Fateh ballistic missiles during the strikes and dedicated the operation to innocent Pakistani children martyred in earlier Indian attacks. In a significant blow to India, Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder jets destroyed an S-400 air defence system stationed in Adampur, worth an estimated $1.5 billion.
Other key targets included:
* A Military Intelligence training centre in Rajouri reportedly involved in planning terrorist attacks inside Pakistan.
* The Sirsa Airfield, a critical Indian military base, which sustained heavy damage.
* Pakistani drones were also seen flying over Gujarat, the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raising alarm among Indian officials.
Pakistan has released video footage of the operation, showing intense explosions, fires, and the destruction of Indian military infrastructure. Loud chants of “Allahu Akbar” echoed as Pakistani forces carried out the strikes.
Cyber warfare front opened
In a parallel digital offensive, Pakistani cyber teams executed a major cyberattack on Indian systems, targeting the official website of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and several key organisations, including:
* Crime Research Investigation Agency
* Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL)
* Bharat Earth Movers Limited
* All India Naval Technical Supervisory Staff Association
Security sources reported that large volumes of sensitive data were erased, while classified files from agencies such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Border Security Force (BSF), and the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) were leaked.
Pakistani hackers also breached:
– Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company, causing power outages and loss of meter data
– Databases of the Indian Air Force, Assam Rifles, and India’s Department of Atomic Energy
– Over 2,500 surveillance cameras across India, exposing major internal security flaws
Officials say the data, some of which allegedly exposes India’s ties to cross-border terrorism, has now surfaced on the dark web.
Regional and domestic fallout
India’s aggressive posture has started to backfire, as public backlash and media criticism emerge. Indian news networks, which had previously spoken of swiftly “capturing Karachi,” have dramatically changed tone. Reports of military damage, civilian panic, and operational confusion have dominated headlines.
According to Reuters, the Indian stock market has lost $83 billion amid growing investor anxiety, with foreign investors beginning to pull out over concerns of broader regional instability.
In contrast, Pakistan has seen a surge of national unity, with citizens across the country expressing unwavering support for the military. Public gatherings echoing “Pak Army Zindabad” have been reported in major cities.
Operation Bunyan-al-Marsoos marks a significant turning point in the escalating conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. While Pakistan has demonstrated strategic restraint in the past, officials now say the operation reflects a new doctrine of proportional and multi-domain response.
The situation remains tense, with global powers closely monitoring developments. Pakistan’s leadership has reiterated its desire for peace but affirmed that any further aggression will meet a decisive response.
