'Let's Go To Bunkers': Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari Recalls Fear During Operation Sindoor

Last Updated:December 28, 2025, 15:55 IST

India began Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

President Asif Ali Zardari (Credits: X)

India’s military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s top leadership, with President Asif Ali Zardari revealing that he was advised to move to a bunker as tensions peaked in May.

Speaking at a public programme on Saturday, Zardari said the seriousness of the situation was conveyed to him directly by his Military Secretary. Recalling the moment, he said the officer warned that war had begun as Indian forces launched precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, carried out after 26 civilians were killed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

“My Military Secretary came to me and said, ‘Sir, the war has started. Let’s go to the bunkers."

Zardari told the gathering, adding that he chose not to follow the advice.

India began Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Indian officials said the action was focused, limited and aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure while preventing further attacks.

The operation led to a sharp rise in hostilities. Pakistan stepped up cross-border shelling, and India responded along the Line of Control. The exchange raised concerns of a broader military conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Zardari said he had sensed that tensions were heading towards escalation days earlier. The situation later cooled after Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations reached out to his Indian counterpart with a proposal to halt hostilities. India agreed to the request.

The ceasefire was later confirmed by India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who said both sides decided to stop all military operations on land, sea and air.

India’s military action followed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which New Delhi attributed to cross-border terrorism. The events in May marked one of the most intense confrontations between India and Pakistan in recent years before calm was restored through diplomatic and military channels.

News world 'Let's Go To Bunkers': Pakistan President Recalls Fear During Operation Sindoor

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