The confession by a senior Jaish-e-Mohammed commander that several members of Masood Azhar’s family were killed in Indian air strikes at Bahawalpur underscores both the precision and impact of Operation Sindoor. By striking at the heart of JeM’s headquarters, the Indian Armed Forces not only neutralised top commanders but also dismantled the illusion of “safe havens” in Pakistan. The operation stands as a significant milestone in India’s fight against cross-border terrorism. For decades, Pakistan has nurtured terror outfits like JeM and LeT, using them as strategic assets against India. The presence of Pakistan Army Generals at the funerals of slain JeM commanders, as revealed in the circulated videos, exposes the deep-rooted nexus between Rawalpindi and these terror networks. This is not a matter of conjecture but a documented reality-terrorism remains an instrument of Pakistan’s state policy. Despite UN sanctions and Masood Azhar’s designation as a global terrorist in 2019, he continues to operate his “terror factory” from Bahawalpur under the protection of the State.
Operation Sindoor was India’s decisive response to the horrific Pahalgam attack. By targeting camps and military establishments deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, India demonstrated its evolving security doctrine: terror will be met with uncompromising force, wherever it emanates from. The razing of JeM’s headquarters, elimination of top commanders, and even the killing of Azhar’s kin who were aiding his network sent a powerful message across the border-that India reserves the right to strike back at will. The larger concern, however, lies in Pakistan’s continued duplicity. While its leaders pay lip service to global counter-terror commitments, the reality is that outfits like JeM remain deeply embedded within its military-intelligence structure. This unholy nexus destabilises not just India but the entire region, undermining efforts for peace in South Asia.
The world community, especially the United Nations, cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the fact that a globally sanctioned terrorist continues to operate freely in Pakistan. India’s calibrated retaliation has altered the cost-benefit calculus for Pakistan. Safe havens are no longer safe, and every act of terror will carry consequences. For Masood Azhar and his patrons, the message is unambiguous: India will not hesitate to defend its sovereignty.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
