Pakistan Faces Dilemma on Retaliation After Operation Sindoor, Says Ex-Diplomat

By A Staff Reporter

Delhi | In the aftermath of India's decisive #OperationSindoor, former Indian diplomat KP Fabian weighed in on Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent vow of retaliation, calling it a reflection of internal political compulsions more than strategic clarity. "After all, he has a constituency," said Fabian. "He doesn't want to be seen as helpless, especially after the flawless Operation Sindoor."

Fabian suggested that while Sharif's statements aim to reassure domestic audiences, Pakistan is stuck in a strategic bind. “There was another report of him saying earlier that we have already retaliated. But that was an enigmatic statement. He was probably referring to unverified claims about having shot down the Indian planes,” he noted, hinting at the ambiguity in Pakistan’s narrative.

Touching on the role of Pakistan's key ally, China, Fabian said Beijing’s media is naturally inclined to shape coverage in favor of Pakistan. “China is an ally of Pakistan... The Chinese media would naturally put out stories, whether true or not, to portray Pakistan in a good light," he explained.