After India’s Strike, Pakistan Backtracks on Nuclear Threat – PM Sharif Shocks All

Pakistan(The Uttam Hindu): In a surprising reversal of tone, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has distanced himself from any talk of a nuclear confrontation with India. Addressing students in Islamabad, Sharif clarified that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is designed solely for deterrence and national security, not for aggression.

His statement comes shortly after India’s military carried out ‘Operation Sindoor’—a strategic response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed several Indian soldiers. During this operation, Indian forces reportedly struck multiple terror launchpads across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and deep inside Pakistan, including targets in Bahawalpur linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed. Nine terror camps were believed to have been neutralized.

Following India's offensive, initial reactions from Pakistan’s leadership hinted at escalation. Defense officials, including Pakistan’s Defence Minister, floated the idea of using nuclear weapons "if the nation’s existence is at stake." Former ISI Chief Javed Ashraf Qazi even warned of global consequences if nuclear war broke out.

However, the recent remarks by Sharif suggest a strategic de-escalation. Stressing that Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine is focused on maintaining peace and regional stability, he attempted to calm fears of immediate conflict in the wake of rising tensions. Analysts believe this diplomatic shift is an attempt to avoid further international isolation and economic pressure, especially after India’s precise and high-impact military response.