Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, a retired officer of the Pakistani army has expressed grave concern over the widening military gap between the two nations. Acknowledging the imbalance, he admitted that Pakistan’s standing force of around 6 lakh troops would be unable to match India’s might, which boasts a 16 lakh-strong army.

ALSO READ

The retired official has suggested that only international intervention—specifically from global powers like the United States and China—can help prevent the conflict. His remarks reflect growing anxiety within military circles about Pakistan’s ability to withstand prolonged confrontation with India without external support.

Meanwhile, India on Saturday launched retaliatory strikes on at least four Pakistan air bases following what it called “massive provocation and escalation” from across the border over the past two days, according to a report by news agency ANI citing defence sources.

Multiple explosions were reported early Saturday at locations in Pakistan. Islamabad confirmed that three air bases — Nur Khan (Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal), and Rafiqui (Jhang) — were targeted. Additionally, Indian forces reportedly destroyed Pakistani posts and terrorist launch pads believed to be used for launching tube-launched drones.

ALSO READ

Surface-to-air missile systems were activated in Srinagar, with heavy engagement continuing along the Line of Control (LoC). The escalation follows Friday’s armed drone attacks by Pakistan on 26 Indian locations ranging from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat.