Pakistan’s Bold Counterstrike on the LoC
Introduction Bunyan al-Marsus
In May 2025, only hours after India initiated Operation Sindoor, Pakistan’s military responded with Operation Bunyan al-Marsus a rapid, well-coordinated counteroffensive designed to eliminate perceived threats and reinforce its deterrence posture along the Line of Control (LoC). The event triggered one of the most intense episodes of cross-border hostilities in recent decades, as both nuclear-armed neighbors demonstrated their combat readiness in a highly volatile setting.
The term Bunyan al-Marsus originates from Arabic, translating roughly to “a solidly constructed structure” or “a fortified wall.” Symbolically, it represented Pakistan’s intent to present itself as unbreakable in the face of external aggression.
Table of Contents
Background: The Spark from Operation Sindoor
The trigger for Operation Bunyan al-Marsus came from Operation Sindoor, during which the Indian Armed Forces carried out precision air and artillery strikes on targets in Pakistan-administered territories. Pakistan’s military leadership interpreted this as a direct violation of its sovereignty and an unacceptable escalation.
In a televised statement, the Pakistani Prime Minister declared,
“We will respond with full force to defend our land, our people, and our dignity.”
Objectives of Operation Bunyan al-Marsus
According to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation had four core objectives:
- Immediate Retaliation – Delivering a rapid response to India’s military strikes.
- Neutralizing Offensive Capabilities – Targeting Indian artillery, radar, and forward operating bases near the LoC.
- Reinforcing Deterrence – Demonstrating that Pakistan’s military will act decisively against perceived threats.
- Boosting National Morale – Strengthening domestic unity in the face of external pressure.
Execution and Strategy Of Bunyan al-Marsus
Operation Bunyan al-Marsus unfolded in a series of tightly coordinated phases.
Phase 1: Missile and Drone Strikes
Pakistan launched a combination of short-range ballistic missiles and armed drones targeting Indian military installations in Jammu and Kashmir. Surveillance footage released by the ISPR claimed direct hits on ammunition depots and communication centers.
Phase 2: Artillery Barrage
Heavy artillery units stationed along the LoC opened sustained fire on Indian forward positions. The use of A-100 multiple rocket launch systems and heavy howitzers was confirmed by independent observers.
Phase 3: Air Patrols and Defensive Posturing
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) deployed JF-17 Thunder and F-16 fighter jets to maintain air superiority in the contested zones, while air defense systems remained on high alert to intercept potential Indian counterstrikes.
Phase 4: Public Messaging and Psychological Warfare
State media broadcast footage of the strikes, emphasizing precision and control. This served not only to boost morale domestically but also to shape international perception.
Immediate Outcomes
Pakistani military sources claimed that Operation Bunyan al-Marsus destroyed multiple Indian ammunition storage facilities, disabled radar stations, and inflicted significant damage to forward operating posts.
India disputed these claims, stating that the damage was minimal and most strikes were intercepted or fell in uninhabited areas. Nonetheless, the operation had several immediate effects:
- Heightened troop mobilization on both sides.
- Temporary disruption of communication lines in border areas.
- Increased diplomatic pressure from global powers urging de-escalation.
Connection to Operation Sindoor
Operation Bunyan al-Marsus cannot be fully understood without referencing the events that preceded it — namely, India’s Operation Sindoor.
Pakistan framed its response as a defensive necessity, stating that “every action was directly proportional to India’s provocation.”
For a detailed breakdown of India’s initial operation, including targets, objectives, and strategic impact, read our comprehensive analysis of Operation Sindoor.
International Reaction
Global reactions mirrored those following Operation Sindoor, but with heightened urgency due to the rapid escalation.
- United States: Urged restraint and warned of “unthinkable consequences” should the conflict spiral out of control.
- China: Supported Pakistan’s right to self-defense while calling for immediate dialogue.
- United Nations: Convened an emergency Security Council meeting to address the crisis.
- European Union: Issued a joint statement advocating for a ceasefire and a return to diplomatic channels.
Impact on Regional Security
The operation had far-reaching implications:
- Escalation of Hostilities – By responding militarily rather than diplomatically, both nations risked locking themselves into a cycle of retaliation.
- Militarization of the LoC – Troop levels surged on both sides, with advanced weaponry deployed in high numbers.
- Increased Risk of Miscalculation – With both militaries on high alert, even minor incidents could have triggered wider conflict.
Media Narratives and Public Opinion
In Pakistan, Operation Bunyan al-Marsus was portrayed as a triumph of military precision and national unity. Social media hashtags like #BunyanAlMarsus and #PakistanStrikesBack trended for days, while news outlets broadcast continuous coverage of the operation’s “successes.”
In India, the operation was depicted as largely ineffective and a sign of Pakistan’s unwillingness to engage in peaceful dialogue. Both narratives fueled nationalistic fervor, making diplomatic compromise more difficult.
Strategic Assessment
From a military analyst’s perspective, Operation Bunyan al-Marsus achieved its immediate political and symbolic goals:
- It demonstrated Pakistan’s readiness to respond.
- It maintained domestic morale.
- It showcased a level of technological and tactical competence.
However, the operation did not significantly alter the strategic balance. India’s military infrastructure remained largely intact, and the long-term deterrent value is questionable given the risk of future confrontations.
Symbolism in the Name
The choice of the name Bunyan al-Marsus was more than symbolic—it was strategic. By drawing from Islamic and Arabic heritage, the operation connected military action with cultural identity, reinforcing domestic legitimacy and regional solidarity.
Conclusion (Operation Bunyan al-Marsus)
Operation Bunyan al-Marsus was a rapid, calculated counterstrike that underscored Pakistan’s determination to respond forcefully to external military action. While it succeeded in demonstrating resilience and capability, it also contributed to a dangerous escalation that brought South Asia closer to open conflict.
As tensions remain high, the legacy of Bunyan al-Marsus will depend on whether it leads to renewed diplomatic engagement—or serves as another milestone in the enduring cycle of Indo-Pak hostility.
For insight into the events that set this operation in motion, see our in-depth article on Operation Sindoor.
