Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, a critical question arises: If India launches a counter-strike, where will it hit first? Based on recent intelligence inputs and strategic assessments, it’s becoming increasingly clear that India’s initial target may not be Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), but rather Muridke, a city in Pakistan’s Punjab province.
This isn’t just any location — Muridke houses the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the terror outfit responsible for orchestrating some of the deadliest attacks on Indian soil over the past two decades. Operating under the front of “Jamaat-ud-Dawa,” the group uses this base not only for training but also for planning major terror strikes against India. Located near Lahore, Muridke is widely believed to be the brain center of LeT’s operations.
Why is Muridke on India’s Radar?
According to intelligence reports, several high-profile attacks — including the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the Pathankot airbase assault, and the recent Pahalgam ambush — were all planned in or linked to Muridke. Top LeT leaders like Hafiz Saeed, Saifullah, and Hashim Musa, along with Pakistani Army officers, are believed to operate frequently from this location, making it a critical operational hub. For India, striking Muridke would not just be symbolic — it would deal a significant blow to the very spine of cross-border terrorism.
NIA Probe Reveals Deep-Rooted Planning
India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) uncovered that the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam was planned during a February 2 meeting in Rawalakot (PoK), involving members of Lashkar, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and even Hamas. A follow-up meeting in March was held at Muridke HQ, where ISI officials, Pakistani military representatives, and LeT leadership assigned operational duties to Hashim Musa and Talha Bhai. These revelations have only strengthened India’s suspicions about Muridke being the central node in terror strategy formulation.
U.S. Suggests a ‘Bin Laden Model’ Approach
U.S. Vice President JD Vance recently advised that India should avoid all-out war with Pakistan and instead adopt a targeted strike model — akin to the “Bin Laden operation” — that eliminates terrorists within their hideouts. This strategic endorsement from Washington is seen as a green light for India to carry out precise, deep strikes at the heart of terror strongholds, like Muridke, rather than engaging in broad military conflict.
PM Modi’s Clear Warning
In a rally held in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a bold statement: “Wherever terrorists are, we will reduce them to dust.” This comment, widely interpreted as a policy signal, suggests that India may no longer limit its responses to small-scale cross-border operations. Instead, the upcoming strike — if it happens — could be designed for systematic dismantling of terrorist infrastructure.
Is Muridke Next in Line?
Given all indicators — intelligence findings, international backing, and strong political messaging — Muridke seems poised to be the first and most significant target in any future Indian military response. A strike on Muridke would mark not just a tactical military move but also a strategic shift in India’s approach: one that holds terror enablers accountable, not just the foot soldiers. With bunkers and madrassas in PoK being evacuated, Pakistan’s attention now turns inward — especially toward Punjab — where India’s next strike could fall at any moment.
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