A year ago, Pakistan was engaged in a military conflict with India, dealing the boastful neighbour an internationally recognised “clear setback”.
The conflict with India, starting from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the end of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, with a ceasefire ending a military escalation between the two countries on May 10, was dubbed “Marka-i-Haq” by the state.
From the night of May 6, the drums of war were echoing loudly across South Asia as the nuclear-armed arch-rivals exchanged missiles, raising global alarm over the risk of unpredictable escalation.
Tensions between India and Pakistan were already at an alarming level and the armed forces were prepared with their full might for what was to come.
This was reflected in PM Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to ISI headquarters on May 6.
“We are ready for them everywhere at all times,” said Defence Minister Khawaja Asif hours later, cautioning that a clash with India “can happen anytime”.
In the first part of this illustrated timeline, Dawn retraces the decisive moments that unfolded on May 7, shaping the news cycle at the time.
May 7
AROUND midnight, India carries out missile strikes at Bahawalpur, Muridke, Narowal and Sialkot in Punjab, and Muzaffarabad and Kotli in AJK. These attacks claim at least 31 lives.
WASHINGTON activates its diplomatic channels, with President Donald Trump hoping the fighting would end “very quickly”.
NATIONAL Security Committee meets, with prime minister, the three services chiefs and the newly ap-pointed national security adviser in attendance. It authorises the military to “undertake corresponding actions”.
CHINESE defence companies’ stocks rally amid widely believed reports that the PAF shot down India’s prized Rafales using Chinese J-10C jets.
INDIA makes preparations for Pakistan’s expected retaliation, with the capital holding a drill.
PUNJAB invokes ‘War Book’ protocols for maximum preparedness.
PAKISTAN responds, and by dawn, the PAF has shot down at least five Indian jets — a figure later raised to seven. These included at least three Rafale fighter jets — the pride of the Indian Air Force.
DG ISPR Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry briefs the press on the extent of the damage caused by Indian strikes, and details Pakistan’s response, in self-defence, to the “uncalled-for aggression”.
NEW DELHI broadcasts its narrative on what it calls “Operation Sindoor”.
PM Shehbaz Sharif addresses the nation.
RALLIES are taken out across the country to express solidarity with the armed forces.
DG ISPR updates on casualties from Indian hostilities.
All photos AFP / file
Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2026
