Pakistan Downs Five Indian Fighter Jets, Destroys Brigade HQ in Major Retaliatory Strikes
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Pakistan has shot down five Indian fighter jets and destroyed a key Indian Army brigade headquarters and drone in a series of retaliatory strikes following deadly Indian missile attacks on Pakistani cities. The strikes, which targeted civilian areas, claimed at least eight lives and injured 35 others, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, stated that all Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets returned safely after successfully engaging Indian aircraft. The downed jets included three French-made Rafales, one Su-30MKI, and one MiG-29 Fulcrum, confirmed by a military spokesperson to Reuters.
Additionally, Pakistani forces destroyed an Indian military post in the Dhundial sector along the Line of Control (LoC) and shot down an Indian surveillance drone. Intense cross-border exchanges continue, with Pakistani Army units actively targeting Indian positions along the LoC.
Lt Gen Chaudhry detailed that India carried out 24 missile strikes on six civilian locations in Pakistan, including in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Most targets were mosques and adjacent residential areas. Cities such as Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad were rocked by powerful explosions, with state media reporting widespread power outages and civilian panic.
The Indian strikes follow a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which left 26 tourists dead. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the attack — a claim Islamabad strongly denies.
“Pakistan Has Gained the Upper Hand”
Speaking to Geo News, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the downing of five Indian jets and emphasized that Pakistan had responded with strength and precision. “Our armed forces acted decisively to defend our sovereignty,” he said, adding that Pakistan had gained the upper hand through its swift and measured response.
UN Notified Amid Rising Tensions
Islamabad has formally informed the United Nations Security Council of the escalating situation, raising alarm over what it called India’s unprovoked aggression. The communication stressed that Pakistan reserves the right to respond appropriately, in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter.
“Cowardly Attack Will Not Go Unanswered”
Lt Gen Chaudhry condemned the Indian strikes as a “shameful and cowardly act,” carried out from within Indian airspace using standoff weapons. He made it clear that while Pakistan’s airspace was never violated, the country reserves the right to respond at a time and place of its choosing.
“There is temporary happiness that India may feel from this cowardly attack,” he warned, “but it will be replaced with enduring grief.”
Foreign Office Denounces Violation of International Law
The Foreign Office issued a stern statement calling India’s actions a “blatant act of war” and a violation of international law, the UN Charter, and established inter-state norms. FO Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan condemned the targeting of civilians and warned of the grave threat posed to regional stability and international aviation routes.
He further stated that India’s actions jeopardize peace in South Asia and are a reckless attempt to distract from internal failures by pushing a false narrative of terrorism.
“The people of Pakistan stand united,” the statement affirmed, “and will protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation with unwavering resolve.”
