The Pakistan military has shot down two Indian jets in retaliation for airstrikes launched by India at multiple sites, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad. The strikes, which took place after midnight, resulted in three deaths and 12 injuries in Pakistan.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that the missile strikes by India targeted civilian areas, including mosques, and sparked a military response from Pakistan.
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) retaliated by downing two Indian aircraft. A statement from PTV News reported that Pakistani forces destroyed an Indian brigade headquarters and a checkpost along the Line of Control in response. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also vowed to deliver a stronger response to India’s actions.
In a televised statement, Asif condemned the airstrikes as cowardly and emphasized that Pakistan would retaliate at a time and place of its choosing. The strikes have heightened tensions between the two countries, particularly following a militant attack in Pahalgam, India, in April.
India, on the other hand, confirmed its Operation Sindoor, stating that the strikes targeted infrastructure used for terrorist activities. Indian authorities denied any targeting of military facilities and emphasized their actions were “focused, measured, and non-escalatory.”
The Pakistani government has also sought international media access to the sites of the strikes to expose what they claim are false Indian accusations. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other leaders have strongly condemned the attacks, with Sharif reaffirming Pakistan’s right to a forceful response.
Amid the growing tensions, Pakistan closed its airspace and rerouted international flights, signaling heightened security measures. Furthermore, Defence Minister Asif noted the possibility of conflict at any time, reiterating Pakistan’s preparedness for any scenario.
Tensions between India and Pakistan continue to rise, with both countries on alert, as diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation remain ongoing.
