Drone Attacks in Pakistan: Escalating Tensions Amid Operation Sindoor

KKN Gurugram Desk | On May 8, 2025, Pakistan experienced a series of drone attacks across major cities, including Lahore, Karachi, Gujranwala, Chakwal, Ghotki, and Umerkot. These incidents have intensified the already strained relations between India and Pakistan, following India’s Operation Sindoor—a retaliatory military campaign launched in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 Indian tourists.

Details of the Drone Attacks

Pakistan’s military reported that its air defense systems intercepted and shot down 25 Indian drones that violated its airspace. One drone struck a military site near Lahore, injuring four soldiers, while another crashed in Rawalpindi. In Sindh province, debris from a downed drone resulted in the death of a civilian and injuries to another.

The drones used in these attacks were identified as Israeli-made Harop drones, known for their loitering capabilities and precision strikes.

Operation Sindoor: India’s Retaliatory Strikes

Operation Sindoor was initiated by India as a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation targeted nine locations within Pakistan, which India identified as terrorist infrastructures linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. India asserts that these strikes were precise and aimed solely at militant facilities, avoiding civilian areas.

However, Pakistan contends that the strikes resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, and has labeled the attacks as violations of its sovereignty.

Pakistan’s Response and International Reactions

In the wake of these events, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the Indian strikes as “cowardly acts of war” and vowed that India must “suffer the consequences.” Pakistan has also claimed to have downed several Indian fighter jets during the ensuing confrontations, a claim India denies.

The international community, including leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, China, and Turkey, has expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions and urged both nations to exercise restraint and engage in diplomatic dialogue to prevent further escalation.

Impact on Civilians and Regional Stability

The series of attacks and counterattacks have led to heightened security measures across the region. The U.S. Consulate General in Lahore directed its staff to shelter in place due to reports of drone explosions and potential airspace incursions.

Airports in Karachi and Islamabad were temporarily closed, and there have been reports of blackouts and disruptions in daily life in affected areas. The situation remains volatile, with both nations on high alert.

The recent drone attacks in Pakistan signify a dangerous escalation in the longstanding conflict between India and Pakistan. As both nations possess nuclear capabilities, the international community watches with apprehension, hoping for a de-escalation and a return to diplomatic negotiations to ensure regional stability and peace.