AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi declared on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, that the government squandered a critical chance to deliver a “befitting” response to Pakistan following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. He asserted that the decision to pause military action went against national sentiment.
Addressing journalists in Pune, the Hyderabad MP stated, “As an Indian, I believe we had a clear opportunity to retaliate decisively against Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. I question why the Central government chose to halt operations.”
Owaisi highlighted that a warlike atmosphere had already taken hold, with Pakistani drones actively surveilling India’s western borders, from Gujarat all the way to Kashmir.
“The entire nation was prepared to teach Pakistan a lesson, but the government ceased its efforts. Such valuable opportunities rarely present themselves again, and this government unfortunately missed its chance,” Mr. Owaisi remarked, referring to India’s decision to pause military action after striking terrorist hideouts and air bases in the neighboring country.
Officially, India maintains that ‘Operation Sindoor’, initiated by the armed forces, was merely put on hold, not completely concluded.
India had launched these military strikes after a tragic incident on April 22, 2025, where 26 individuals, predominantly tourists, were fatally shot by terrorists near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.
Furthermore, Mr. Owaisi reiterated his criticism of the Centre for allowing India to compete against Pakistan in the recent Asia Cup cricket tournament. He underscored that pluralism remains the fundamental essence of India.
Concluding his remarks, he confirmed that AIMIM plans to contest the upcoming civic elections in Maharashtra.