Following the highly precise and unexpected Sindoor Strikes by Indian forces last week, Pakistan has found itself in the global spotlight — not for retaliation, but for rapid containment and concealment. The operation, now being dubbed by defense analysts as “Parde Mein Rehne Do” (a nod to the classic Hindi phrase meaning “let it stay hidden”), appears to be a full-scale media, diplomatic, and strategic cover-up effort by Islamabad.
What Were the Sindoor Strikes?
On June 4, India reportedly conducted a covert yet impactful air and drone-based strike on terrorist launchpads and strategic communication outposts across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, named Sindoor for its symbolic message — retaliation wrapped in sacred red — was calibrated to send a strong message without escalating to full-blown conflict.
Though India did not officially confirm the operation, credible sources from Indian intelligence agencies hinted at its success in neutralizing high-value targets. Independent satellite imagery showing fire damage at known terror infrastructure has only added fuel to the speculation.
The Pakistani Response: Deny, Deflect, Distract
Within hours of the strike, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a routine denial, claiming “no cross-border activity” and dismissing Indian media reports as “propaganda warfare.” Yet behind the scenes, Pakistan’s machinery shifted into overdrive. Here’s how:
1. Media Blackout in PoK
Local journalists in Muzaffarabad and surrounding areas reported restricted movement, internet blackouts, and gag orders. Civilian access to several border-adjacent regions was suddenly suspended, raising suspicions of an attempt to limit the visibility of damage on the ground.
2. Diplomatic Diversion
Pakistan’s foreign ministry quickly summoned international diplomats in Islamabad — not to discuss the strike, but to highlight alleged “human rights violations in Kashmir.” A classic redirection tactic, this move tried to overshadow the strike’s fallout with a broader Kashmir narrative.
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3. Staged Military Footage
Pakistani state TV aired footage of supposed military readiness drills and troop movements along the LoC. However, OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) analysts noted that the visuals were from past exercises, repurposed to create an illusion of preparedness and control.
4. Social Media Clampdown
Several Pakistani Twitter and YouTube accounts reporting on explosions or “unusual aircraft noise” in PoK suddenly went offline or deleted their posts. A digital trail suggests intervention either by state agencies or coordinated reporting to social media platforms.
Why the Cover-Up?
Pakistan’s reluctance to acknowledge the Sindoor Strikes could stem from multiple factors:
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Avoiding Escalation: A public admission would demand a response, pushing the country towards a conflict it may not be economically or militarily prepared for.
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Internal Stability: With economic instability, IMF pressures, and growing civil unrest, admitting a breach of sovereignty would further dent public confidence in the military establishment.
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Global Optics: Pakistan is keen to maintain a narrative of being a peace-seeking nation, especially as it seeks foreign investments and aid packages.
India’s Strategic Silence
Interestingly, India has chosen to remain officially silent. Strategic experts interpret this as a move rooted in confidence — letting the impact speak for itself while avoiding diplomatic escalations. Former RAW officer Vikram Sood said, “The message has been sent. Whether they admit it or not, they felt it.”
Conclusion: The Game of Shadows Continues
The Parde Mein Rehne Do doctrine reflects Pakistan’s chronic reliance on information suppression rather than transparency. While the Sindoor Strikes may not dominate front-page news in Islamabad, the tremors have undoubtedly been felt — behind closed doors, under hushed tones, and certainly under the veil of denial.
As both nations navigate this new phase of silent posturing, one thing is clear: in modern warfare, what’s unsaid often matters more than what’s announced.
Reporting by Strategic Desk, South Asia Monitor
Images & data sourced from OSINT networks, media correspondents, and official statements.