In a recent revelation, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari disclosed that during India’s Operation Sindoor in May, he was advised by his Military Secretary to take shelter in a bunker due to the escalating conflict. Zardari’s comments reflect the intense fear gripping Pakistan’s leadership following India’s targeted retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. India’s armed forces executed strategic precision strikes against military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant display of military capability. The subsequent four-day conflict, which included heightened cross-border shelling, concluded with a ceasefire agreement facilitated by communication between the Directors General of Military Operations from both nations. Zardari’s insistence on remaining above ground has sparked discussions on leadership during crises, while claims of Pakistan downing seven Indian jets remain unsubstantiated. This episode underscores the fragile security dynamics in South Asia, highlighting the need for sustained dialogue and conflict resolution efforts to address underlying tensions, particularly regarding the Kashmir dispute.