‘Sir, the war has started, go to the bunker’, Pakistan President was advised to hide during OP Sindoor

India’s strict military action after the Pahalgam terrorist attack had created panic in Pakistan’s top leadership. This has been disclosed by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari himself. He told that the situation had become so serious in May that he was advised to take shelter in the bunker, but he refused to do so.

Speaking at a public event, President Zardari said that when India launched precision military strikes under Operation Sindoor, his military secretary warned him that the war had started. This action was taken in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, in which 26 innocent civilians were killed.

‘Sir, the war has started, let’s go to the bunker.’

Recalling that moment from the stage, Asif Ali Zardari said that my military secretary came to me and said – ‘Sir, the war has started. We should go to the bunker. However, he made it clear that he refused to accept this advice. This statement of Zardari is being seen as a sign of fear and uneasiness spread in the corridors of power of Pakistan.

Morning of 7th May and Operation Sindoor

India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of 7 May. Under this, terrorist bases and military establishments located in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) were targeted. Earlier, India had taken action against nine terrorist camps. According to Indian officials, these attacks were precise, limited and strategic, the aim of which was to weaken the terrorist structure and prevent such attacks in future.

Tension increased on LoC, shelling across the border

The situation deteriorated rapidly after the Indian action. Pakistan intensified cross-border shelling, while India also gave a befitting reply on the Line of Control (LoC). The situation between the two countries became so tense that there was a possibility of a major military conflict. Zardari claimed that he had already anticipated this military tension, but despite this he refused to go to the bunker.

Ceasefire initiative from Pakistan

After this military confrontation, the situation was resolved when Pakistan’s DGMO (Director General of Military Operations) contacted his Indian counterpart and proposed a ceasefire. India accepted this proposal. Later, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed this and said that both the countries agreed to stop military action on all three fronts – land, air and sea.

The most serious India-Pakistan conflict in recent years

This retaliatory action by India after the Pahalgam terrorist attack of April 22 is being counted among the most serious military confrontations between India and Pakistan in recent years. Although the situation came under control after the ceasefire, this statement of Zardari exposes the fear and pressure of that period within Pakistan.