Pakistan Sought Ceasefire Twice Amid Op Sindoor; Death Toll in Pakistan Rises to 160
In the wake of India’s high-intensity counter-terror operation, Operation Sindoor, Pakistan reached out twice to seek a ceasefire, including a formal request by its Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) on May 7. However, Indian authorities remained sceptical of Islamabad’s intentions, citing continued attacks on Indian military installations even as peace appeals were being made.
According to top sources, the first ceasefire request came just a day after Indian armed forces demolished nine terror hubs in Pakistan-occupied territory. Despite Pakistan’s outreach, India viewed the overtures with suspicion, especially since cross-border shelling and attempted intrusions continued unabated.
A second DGMO-level conversation occurred on May 10 at 3:35 PM, during which both sides reached a ceasefire understanding. The agreement, facilitated through established military channels, was intended to de-escalate hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Contrary to earlier speculation, the truce was not brokered by any third party, including the United States.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs had earlier confirmed that Pakistan initiated the ceasefire proposal following “effective attacks by the Indian Air Force on Pakistani bases.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the request reflected the mounting pressure on Pakistan after India’s precision strikes.
Operation Sindoor was launched in retaliation for the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of Indian security personnel and civilians. Since the commencement of the operation, the death toll in Pakistan has continued to climb, with sources now estimating over 160 fatalities. This figure includes terrorists, their logistical support networks, and Pakistani military personnel.
One of the hardest-hit areas was Bahawalpur, considered a stronghold of the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Over 20 individuals, many of them reportedly relatives of JeM chief Masood Azhar, were killed in coordinated strikes. Indian intelligence has claimed that the loss dealt a significant blow to the group’s infrastructure and leadership.
Pakistan’s military also suffered notable losses. Intelligence estimates suggest that between 35 and 40 personnel were killed during the operation. However, official Pakistani statements have acknowledged only 11 military deaths and 78 injuries.
India also inflicted damage on key Pakistani military installations and air bases through sustained artillery and retaliatory air and missile strikes. Casualty reports include:
- Lahore Airport: 2 killed
- Sargodha: 2 killed, 7 injured
- Rahimyar Khan: 5 injured
- Bahawalpur: 2 killed, 8 injured
- Sialkot: 11 killed
- Rawalpindi: 4 killed
Though the ceasefire currently remains in effect, Indian defence officials remain cautious. They have warned against any premature relaxation of security measures and continue to monitor developments closely. Operational directives have already been issued to maintain high alert along the Line of Control and other sensitive areas.
“There’s no room to lower our guard,” said an official source, expressing concern over a possible repeat of hostilities under the leadership of Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir. “Pakistan’s words will always be judged by concrete, verifiable, and irreversible actions against terrorists.”
The message from Delhi remains firm: India seeks peace, but not at the cost of preparedness or national security.
IT.
