TIMELINE: The 12 hours that changed everything
THIS week marks the first anniversary of the brief 2025 military conflict between Pakistan and India, sparked by the April 22 Pahalgam attack on tourists in occupied Kashmir, which India — without evidence — linked to Pakistan.
The state dubbed this conflict ‘Marka-i-Haq’, marking Pakistan’s success against Indian unprovoked aggression and its propaganda war.
Saturday was busy for everyone — from the personnel on the defence frontlines to journalists sifting through the barrage of reports, and from top global leaders to those involved in relaying diplomatic messages.
Things escalated pretty early on, with India launching attacks on military bases inside Pakistan, leading to the unleashing of a terrific response under the banner of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
Things quickly came to a head, and diplomatic efforts reached a fever pitch by the afternoon, when a ceasefire was finally announced.
In the fourth and final part of this illustrated timeline, Dawn retraces the decisive moments that unfolded on May 10, shaping the news cycle at the time.
May 10
IN THE early hours, India targets three PAF bases in Rawalpindi, Chakwal and Shorkot. ISPR confirms that most of the missiles have been intercepted and all PAF assets are safe. The military spox vows to not let India’s “madness” go unanswered.
INDIA acknowledges Pakistani strikes on at least 26 locations, confirms damage to “equipment and personnel” at five airbases.
MARCO Rubio speaks with Chief of the Army Staff Gen Asim Munir and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, offering US assistance in talks for de-escalation. US Secy of State also calls Indian FM S. Jaishankar, emphasises need to identify methods to de-escalate.
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump announces that both India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, around 5pm Pakistan time.
AIR traffic resumes over South Asia, and the world breathes a sigh of relief, with global capitals hailing the end of the brief, yet intense conflict.
AROUND dawn, Pakistan’s forces launch a thundering response in the form of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. Multiple strategic military sites in India and occupied Kashmir targeted; S-400 missile system in Adampur, Brahmos missile storage site in Beas among targets hit.
PM Shehbaz Sharif summons National Command Authority — keepers of the nuclear arsenal. Hours later, the defence minister says the nuclear option was “not on the cards”.
PAKISTAN’S airspace remains off-limits for all types of flights. There are also reports of cyber attacks, with Indian websites being hacked.
BOTH countries confirm cessation of hostilities, effective 4:30pm Pakistan time.
All photos AFP / file
Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2026