A YEAR ago, Pakistan was engaged in a military conflict with India, dealing the boastful neighbour an internationally recognised `clear setback`.

The conflict with India, starting from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the end of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, with a ceasefire ending a military escalation between the two countries on May 10, was dubbed `Marka-i-Haq` by the state.

From the night of May 6, the drums of war were echoing loudly across South Asia as the nuclear-armed arch-rivals exchanged missiles, raising global alarm over the risk of unpredictable escalation.

Tensions between India and Pakistan were already at an alarming level and the armed forces were prepared with their full might for what was to come.

This was reflected in PM Shehbaz Sharif`s visit to ISI headquarters on May 6.

`We are ready for them everywhere at all times,` said Defence Minister Khawaja Asif hours later, cautioning that a clash with India `can happen anytime`.

In the first part of this illustrated timeline, Dawn retracesthe decisive moments that unfolded on May 7, shaping the news cycle at the time.