Offering state funerals to terrorists appears to be a standard practice in Pakistan, said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a press briefing on May 8, the Day 2 of Operation Sindhoor. Displaying images of funeral prayers attended by Pakistani military personnel for slain terrorists, Misri underlined how terrorists and armed forces in Pakistan often share the same platform — further exposing the deep links between the Pakistani state and terror outfits.
Reinforcing Pakistan’s long-standing global image as the “epicentre of terrorism,” Misri noted that even Pakistan’s own Defence Minister and former Foreign Minister have admitted to the country’s involvement in terrorism. He reminded the press that Osama Bin Laden was found on Pakistani soil, symbolising years of complicity.
Misri further revealed that Pakistan played an active role in influencing the UNSC condemnation statement on the Pahalgam terror attack by getting the name of The Resistance Front (TRF) removed — a group known to be a front for the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba.
He asserted that the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 16 civilian lives — including three Sikhs — and injured 59 others, was the original provocation. “India’s response on May 7 was precise, non-escalatory, and strictly targeted at terror infrastructure,” he said. The Indian Armed Forces, he clarified, acted only in response to this attack and did not initiate any escalation.
Responding to Pakistan’s claims that India targeted the Neelum Hydro Project, Misri categorically denied the allegations, calling them “absolute fabrications and blatant lies.” He warned that if Pakistan uses such falsehoods as a pretext for attacking Indian assets, it will bear full responsibility for the consequences.
Replying to a question on misinformation being spread by the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said this has been a consistent practice by Pakistan since its very inception — going back to the 1947 war when its military was caught fighting India while officially denying involvement. He added that such behaviour is not surprising, as even UN agencies at the time had uncovered the truth during their visit.
When asked about operational specifics, Misri stated that such details would be shared as the situation evolves.
He also informed the media of an upcoming scheduled meeting with an IMF delegation in India.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh briefed the press, stating:
“Pakistan has increased the intensity of its unprovoked firing across the Line of Control using Mortars and heavy calibre Artillery in areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar and Rajouri sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.
16 innocent lives have been lost, including three women and five children, due to the Pakistani firing. India was compelled to respond to bring Mortar and Artillery fire from Pakistan to a halt. Indian Armed Forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is respected by the Pakistani military,” she added.
Pakistan has increased the intensity of its unprovoked firing across the Line of Control using Mortars and heavy calibre Artillery in areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar and Rajouri sectors in Jammu and Kashmir
16 innocent lives have been lost, including three… pic.twitter.com/8d85HV0o9m
— PIB India (@PIB_India) May 8, 2025
Col. Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh were also present during the briefing.
