It would have been better if I had died too : Masood Azhar

10 relatives of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar killed

New Delhi – In an Indian military operation that took place as a response to Pahalgam terrorist attack, 10 relatives and 4 close aides of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar were killed. They died in a missile strike involving four missiles targeting the Markaz Subhan Allah Mosque, which is Jaish’s headquarters in Bahawalpur. Masood Azhar said, ‘My elder sister and her husband, my nephew and his wife, my niece and her five children were killed. My close associates were also killed. It would have been better if I had died too’.

We are ready to back down; Pakistan’s Defence Minister says

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan is capable of defending itself, but if India halts its actions, Pakistan will also stop. ‘If India is willing to withdraw, we too will refrain from further action. Pakistan is proposing peace and is trying to prevent escalation’. (The same Pakistani Defence Minister who once threatened nuclear war now seems to be retreating with his tail between his legs – Editor)

Lashkar-e-Taiba commander killed

According to sources, Hafiz Abdul Malik, a top commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba, was killed in a strike on Markaz Tayyaba in Muridke. He was a key figure involved in the group’s strategic operations and was long wanted by Indian intelligence agencies.

26 dead, 45 injured in strike; Pakistani Military claims

Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), stated that India fired 24 missiles, killing 26 people and injuring 45. He claimed that all assets and aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force remained safe and that neither country’s fighter jets violated the other’s airspace. At the time of the Indian strike, 57 international flights and several domestic flights were in Pakistani airspace, allegedly putting thousands of civilian lives at risk. In response to India’s attack, he claimed Pakistani forces destroyed Indian military posts and shot down four Indian fighter jets and drones.

He added that India had also targeted the Neelum–Jhelum Hydropower Project’s Noseri Dam, causing damage. ‘Attacks on hydro projects are unacceptable and could lead to major crises between the two countries’, he warned.

Many civilians killed in Indian attack : Pakistan

In a statement released by Pakistan, it was said that the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian diplomatic officials and strongly objected to India’s military actions. Pakistan claimed that many civilians, including women and children, were killed and injured in the Indian strikes. Pakistani officials told the Indian diplomats that India’s actions were a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty. Pakistan opposed India’s aggressive behaviour and warned that such irresponsible actions pose a serious threat to regional peace and stability. (While India has eliminated jihadi terrorists, it is evident that Pakistan is deliberately accusing India of killing civilians in order to mislead the global community – Editor)

India’s military action is regrettable : China

A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over India’s recent military action. He said, ‘China expresses regret over India’s military actions this morning and is concerned about the current developments. China opposes all forms of terrorism. We call on both India and Pakistan to prioritise peace and stability, remain calm and restrained, and avoid taking actions that further complicate the situation’.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and conveyed that Turkey stands in solidarity with Pakistan.

Israel supports India

Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, posted on X (formerly Twitter), ‘Israel supports India’s right for self defense. Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent’.

Seek the path of peace : United Arab Emirates

UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stated that diplomacy and dialogue remain the most effective means of peacefully resolving crises, and achieving the shared aspirations of nations for peace, stability, and prosperity.

Both sides should exercise restraint : Russia

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Russia is concerned about the escalating military conflict between India and Pakistan. She urged both sides to exercise restraint so that the situation does not worsen further.

Prime Minister Modi praises the Armed Forces

Following India’s military operation, a meeting of the Union Cabinet was held on the morning of 7th May. During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi praised all three branches of the armed forces for Operation Sindoor. He said, ‘This is a new India. This is a proud moment for the nation. The military executed a precise strike in a short span of time’.

The Union Government has also called for an all-party meeting tomorrow, 8th May, at 11am. The meeting will be chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Operations suspended at 11 Indian airports

India’s airstrike on Pakistan has impacted flight operations across the country. Operations at 11 airports have been suspended. These include Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Amritsar, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Rajkot, Bhuj, and Jamnagar.

Editorial Perspective

Masood Azhar should remember – his wish to die may soon be fulfilled by Allah !