Operation Sindoor Silences Maryam Nawaz, Who Once Threatened with Nuclear Bomb; Emergency Declared Now

International News: Operation Sindoor Leaves Pakistan in Panic Mode Emergency declared in Punjab province, Asim Munir faces pressure from within as India flexes military muscle. A sudden Indian military operation across the Line of Control has thrown Pakistan’s political and military leadership into disarray. As part of “Operation Sindoor,” India reportedly struck multiple terror launchpads across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and inside Pakistan's Punjab province, sending shockwaves through the corridors of power in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Emergency in Punjab: Civilian Systems Disrupted

In a rare move, Punjab’s provincial government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, declared a full emergency across the region. All schools and colleges were ordered to shut down, and hospitals were instructed to operate at maximum capacity with all staff on active duty. The administration cited “external security threats” as the primary reason behind these extraordinary measures.

Provincial police, civil defense teams, and health services were placed on high alert. A notification circulated late at night ordered district officials to remain in control rooms and prepare for “rapid developments.” Maryam Nawaz, who had previously adopted a bold tone regarding national defense, remained absent from public appearances after the strike.

Flights Suspended, Airspace Restricted

Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority briefly suspended commercial flight operations across several northern airports, including those in Lahore and Islamabad. While partial resumption began by Thursday morning, travelers and airline staff faced significant confusion, with several domestic and international flights either canceled or rerouted.

Indian Response to Pahalgam Attack

Sources within Indian defense circles indicate that the operation was launched in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22. That attack left over two dozen civilians, including tourists, dead. Indian intelligence reportedly traced the origin of the attackers to training camps in PoK and Punjab. Operation Sindoor was the result of rapid planning involving India’s special forces, missile command, and satellite surveillance.

Pakistan Confirms Casualties, Remains Defensive

In an official statement, Pakistan’s military acknowledged that at least 26 people were killed and dozens more injured in the Indian strikes. However, officials refrained from offering details on the nature of the sites targeted. While the foreign ministry condemned the attack as “unprovoked aggression,” there was no formal declaration of retaliation, suggesting internal divisions or unpreparedness.

Maryam Nawaz’s Past Rhetoric Under Scrutiny

Maryam Nawaz had recently declared Pakistan's nuclear status as a deterrent against any external aggression. Now, critics within Pakistan are questioning whether such rhetoric has backfired, drawing unwanted attention and inviting a severe response from India. Analysts argue that her earlier comments may have provoked an escalatory posture from New Delhi.

Pressure Mounts on Army Chief Asim Munir

As tensions grow, Army Chief General Asim Munir is facing increasing scrutiny. Calls for a strategic review of Pakistan’s military readiness are emerging from opposition leaders and retired defense personnel. The absence of an immediate response to the Indian offensive has raised questions about Pakistan’s preparedness, and whether the military’s focus has drifted more towards internal politics than external defense. With New Delhi making it clear that cross-border terrorism will be met with decisive force, Islamabad is now in damage control mode—politically, militarily, and diplomatically.