A Pakistani government dossier has revealed that India struck significantly more targets during Operation Sindoor than publicly acknowledged by Indian forces. The revelation, based on internal Pakistani assessments of their counter-operation, suggests India’s retaliatory strikes went far deeper into Pakistani territory than previously disclosed. This broader reach is now seen as one of the key reasons why Pakistan urgently sought a ceasefire, ending the brief but intense conflict that followed the Pahalgam terror attack.
According to the Pakistani document detailing “Operation Bunyan un Marsoos,” India targeted at least eight additional sites not listed in Indian official briefings. The dossier includes maps indicating Indian airstrikes in cities such as Peshawar, Jhang, Hyderabad (Sindh), Gujrat, Gujranwala, Bhawalnagar, Attock, and Chor. These locations were not mentioned by the Indian Air Force or the Director General of Military Operations during post-strike press briefings.
Unrevealed Strikes and Strategic Silence
Military experts believe India’s decision not to disclose the full extent of its operations may have been deliberate. By leaving certain targets unmentioned, India possibly allowed Pakistan to reveal the true scale of damage, leaving little room for Islamabad to claim otherwise. This strategy appears to have paid off, especially as Pakistan’s own dossier now verifies the extent of the Indian operation.
The conflict began after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 civilians, prompting India to launch a precise counter-offensive. Satellite images from Maxar Technologies had earlier shown damage to terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Key targets included Jaish-e-Mohammed’s base in Bahawalpur and a Lashkar-e-Toiba training centre in Muridke, along with sites in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Rawalakot.
Pakistan’s Counterattack and India’s Retaliation
Despite India stating it had only targeted terror bases, Pakistan responded by attacking Indian civilian and military infrastructure using drones and missiles. In retaliation, India expanded its assault, striking 11 Pakistani airbases, including Nur Khan, Sargodha, Jacobabad, and Skardu. The cumulative effect of India’s multi-pronged strikes forced Pakistan to initiate a ceasefire.
India has made it clear that any future terror attack will be considered an act of war. Operation Sindoor, now seen as far more extensive than initially revealed, has served as a stern warning. With Pakistani confirmation of deeper strikes, the true scale of India’s response stands affirmed on record.
