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In a dramatic escalation between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan, the Pakistani armed forces claimed to have shot down five Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets and a combat drone in a forceful response to what Islamabad calls an unprovoked Indian attack on Pakistani soil. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the retaliatory strikes also targeted and destroyed multiple Indian military checkposts and a brigade headquarters along the Line of Control (LoC).
ISPR Director-General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, confirmed that all Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets returned safely after engaging Indian aircraft. He noted that among the downed IAF jets were three French-made Rafales, a Su-30MKI, and a MiG-29 Fulcrum.
India Launches Strikes Following Pahalgam Attack
The flare-up comes after India launched missile strikes in the early hours of Wednesday, targeting multiple locations across Pakistan, including Muridke, Bahawalpur in Punjab, and the cities of Kotli and Muzaffarabad in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The Indian government claims the action was a response to a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists and injured several others.
India accused Pakistan-based militant groups of orchestrating the attack, although Islamabad strongly denied any involvement. Pakistan called India’s claim baseless and part of a larger strategy to malign the country internationally without evidence.
Civilian Casualties Reported on Both Sides
Lt Gen Chaudhry confirmed that the Indian strikes resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians and injuries to 46 others in various regions of Pakistan. In a retaliatory move, Pakistan’s shelling reportedly killed 10 civilians and wounded 48 others in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, according to Indian authorities.
Both sides have blamed each other for targeting civilian populations, accusing the other of violating international humanitarian laws and the United Nations Charter.
Political and Military Leadership Responds in Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a strong statement on X (formerly Twitter), calling the Indian strikes a “cowardly attack” and promising a decisive response. “This heinous act of aggression will not go unpunished. Pakistan reserves the absolute right to respond decisively to this unprovoked Indian attack,” he stated.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif echoed similar sentiments, confirming that the Pakistan Air Force shot down at least five Indian jets and asserting that Pakistan has “gained the upper hand” in its retaliatory response.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar strongly condemned India’s air strikes, characterizing them as an “unprovoked and blatant act of aggression” intended to destabilize regional peace.
Pakistan Raises Issue with United Nations Security Council
Pakistan has formally raised the matter with the United Nations Security Council, expressing grave concern over what it describes as India’s “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty and international law. In its communication, Pakistan warned that India’s actions risk pushing the region toward a major conflict between two nuclear-armed states.
“The situation continues to evolve. Pakistan reserves the right to respond appropriately at a time and place of its choosing, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter,” said Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan.
International Reaction and Call for Restraint
International leaders have expressed alarm over the deteriorating situation. U.S. President Donald Trump described the clash as “a shame,” urging both nations to exercise restraint. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that he has been in communication with officials from both countries.
UK May Curb Student Visas from Pakistan, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka Amid Asylum Concerns
China, a close ally of Pakistan, expressed regret over India’s military operation and urged both sides to de-escalate. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also called for “maximum restraint” from both New Delhi and Islamabad to prevent a full-scale conflict.
Airspace Temporarily Suspended and Then Restored
Following the exchange of strikes, the Pakistan Airports Authority temporarily suspended airspace over key cities, including Lahore and Karachi. The suspension lasted for approximately eight hours before operations were resumed. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued, advising passengers to stay in touch with airlines amid ongoing regional uncertainties.
A Dangerous Turn in Indo-Pak Relations
This latest military confrontation marks one of the most serious escalations between India and Pakistan in recent years. Tensions had already been high following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam. India’s subsequent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, revocation of Pakistani visas, and the closure of the Wagah-Attari border further strained relations.
In response, Pakistan expelled Indian diplomats, suspended cross-border travel (except for Sikh pilgrims), and reiterated that it was open to a credible and impartial international investigation into the Pahalgam attack.
As both countries continue military build-up and exchanges of fire along the LoC, the risk of a wider regional conflict looms large unless international mediation or de-escalation efforts succeed.
