Fear of Full-Scale War Spread Panic in Pakistani Army, Munir Feared Attack on Islamabad

During the intense clashes between India and Pakistan in May this year, panic swept through the Pakistani military leadership, raising serious concerns for the safety of the country’s top officials. Fears of a full-scale war and potential lethal strikes from India created anxiety in both Rawalpindi and Islamabad, affecting the highest echelons of the army and government.

According to a report by CNN-News18, during Operation Sindur, the Pakistani military feared that India’s strikes could escalate beyond targeted operations into multi-domain attacks. These could involve coordinated air strikes, intelligence operations, and ground offensives, intensifying the already volatile situation.

Bunker Advice for the President
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari recently revealed that during the May confrontation, he was advised by his military secretary to take shelter in a bunker. Zardari stated that his secretary personally briefed him on the gravity of the situation, suggesting that the Indian strikes might have already triggered a full-scale war.

He said, “My military secretary suggested I move to a bunker for safety. I refused because leaders should not hide in bunkers; they must face the situation head-on.” Zardari added that he had anticipated this confrontation several days in advance.

Protecting the President Amid Rising Threats
The Pakistani army’s focus on protecting the president highlights the level of fear within its ranks. The military was particularly concerned that Indian strikes might extend from POK and specific targets in Punjab to Islamabad, putting top leaders directly at risk.

In addition to external threats, Pakistan’s army, led by Aseem Munir, was also worried about internal instability. The death or injury of a senior political leader could trigger nationwide unrest. Therefore, safeguarding the president was a priority, even considering potential cyber or unconventional attacks.

Operation Sindur Overview
On 7 May, the Indian army targeted nine terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), Punjab, in response to the 22 April terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Pakistan retaliated, leading to a tense four-day standoff resembling war. A ceasefire was agreed upon on 10 May, bringing the situation under temporary control.

The events reveal how the fear of escalation can significantly affect military and political decision-making, highlighting the fragile balance in Indo-Pak relations.