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Pakistan President Claims He Refused to Hide During “Operation Sindoor,” Reveals U.S. and Saudi Arabia Mediated Ceasefire
Lahore – December 28, 2025 – Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari revealed yesterday that he was advised to take shelter in a bunker during India’s “Operation Sindoor” in May of this year, but refused. Speaking at a memorial for his late wife, Benazir Bhutto, Zardari stated his belief that leaders should face threats head-on and not cower in fear.
“Operation Sindoor” was launched by India on May 7th, targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reportedly in response to an attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. The strikes ignited four days of intense clashes.
Adding to the narrative, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar admitted for the first time that India attacked Pakistan’s Nur Khan airbase on May 10th. He also claimed that Pakistan intercepted most of the drones sent by India, and that Pakistan’s forces responded effectively. He claimed that Pakistan shot down seven Indian jets.
Dar further claimed that while Pakistan didn’t request mediation, both U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan offered to speak with New Delhi. He said Secretary Rubio informed him that India was ready for a ceasefire. Dar reiterated Pakistan’s long-held position that lasting peace hinges on a resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
President Zardari also praised Army Chief Asim Munir for his role in the conflict, claiming that even U.S. President Donald Trump lauded Munir’s actions. He went on to assert that it was the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) that elevated Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, while providing no evidence of this.
The claims from Pakistani officials come eight months after the cessation of hostilities.
First Piper 