Table of Contents
Pakistan’s armed forces claim to have shot down at least 29 Israeli-manufactured Harop drones deployed by India, in what officials call a “desperate and provocative” military escalation following deadly attacks on Pakistani territory.
Tensions Flare After Civilian Casualties in Cross-Border Strikes
The escalation comes in the wake of Indian airstrikes on six Pakistani locations, including civilian areas in Punjab and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK). According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the strikes killed at least 31 civilians, including children, and injured 57 others.
Islamabad described the Indian assault as a “blatant act of war”, targeting locations such as mosques, hydropower projects, and populated civilian zones in Ahmedpur East, Muridke, Sialkot, Shakkargarh, Muzaffarabad, and Kotli.
ISPR Confirms Drone Shootdowns and Military Counterstrikes
In response, Pakistan’s military launched a forceful counteroffensive, reportedly downing five Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, seven drones, and destroying a brigade headquarters along with several Indian military posts across the Line of Control (LoC).
The ISPR confirmed on Thursday that 25 Harop drones had initially been neutralized using both “soft-kill” (electronic countermeasures) and “hard-kill” (weapons-based) tactics. Later, ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry updated the count to 29 drones.
“These unprovoked attacks by India are a clear reflection of its desperation, as it continues to suffer significant military losses,” the ISPR stated.
Drone Violations Near Sukkur and Rahim Yar Khan
In a separate incident, Pakistani air defence units shot down two more Indian drones that entered airspace near Sukkur and Rahim Yar Khan. Officials confirmed both drones were engaged and destroyed after detection on radar systems.
“These were not mere surveillance drones — they were hostile assets, and were treated as such,” said a senior security source. Search teams have been dispatched to recover debris and assess secondary threats in those areas.
Pakistan Reports Injuries, Partial Damage Near Lahore
DG ISPR Lt Gen Chaudhry revealed that 12 Indian drones were intercepted across multiple provinces including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Attock, Chakwal, Bahawalpur, and Sindh regions such as Miano (Sukkur), Chhor (Umerkot), and Karachi.
PM Shehbaz Sharif proposes 19 names for federal cabinet
However, one drone partially engaged a military installation near Lahore, injuring four Pakistani army personnel and causing minor equipment damage.
Indian Losses and Escalating Rhetoric
Lt Gen Chaudhry reiterated earlier claims that India has suffered heavy military casualties, including the destruction of five IAF aircraft and multiple checkposts.
“India appears to have lost the plot,” he said, warning that Delhi is further escalating in a “highly charged environment to satisfy its hubristic political mindset.”
He emphasized that the international community must recognize the grave regional risk, adding that the Indian government is placing regional peace and security in jeopardy.
A Message to India and the World
Lt Gen Chaudhry concluded with a stern message:
“There should be no doubt that India is paying dearly — and will continue to pay dearly — for this naked aggression and reckless military adventurism. Pakistan’s armed forces remain fully vigilant to any threat.”
With the situation rapidly intensifying, analysts warn that this could mark one of the most dangerous escalations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in recent years.
