1. Retaliation and Escalation: Pakistan Downs Five Indian Jets
In a significant escalation, Pakistan’s military shot down five Indian fighter jets following late-night strikes launched by India across six locations, including Bahawalpur, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Muridke, and Kotli. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), India’s aerial assault began shortly after 1:00am as part of a mission termed Operation Sindoor.
By 2:45am, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that two Indian jets had been downed, with further confirmations of a Rafale jet and two additional aircraft following. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif later confirmed that three Rafale, one MiG-29, and one Su-30 were neutralized by Pakistan. The ISPR emphasized that all retaliatory action occurred after India’s offensive strikes, ensuring that Pakistan’s response was measured and precise.
According to the latest official count, at least 26 civilians have been killed and 46 injured across the six impacted regions, with strikes damaging homes and multiple mosques. Pakistan has explicitly stated that its response did not target Indian civilians, focusing solely on military assets.
2. Diplomatic Fallout and National Response
The strikes and Pakistan’s counter-response have drawn international attention and condemnation. Former U.S. President Donald Trump called India’s actions a “shame,” while both the United Nations and China urged restraint and de-escalation.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif summoned an emergency National Security Committee meeting at 10am to assess the situation. Educational institutions across Punjab were ordered shut, and all domestic and international flights were temporarily suspended or diverted to Karachi.
Minister Tarar, speaking to international outlets including Sky News and Geo News, reiterated that Pakistan had anticipated Indian aggression following the April 22 Pahalgam attack in occupied Kashmir, which left 26 dead. While India accused Pakistan of “cross-border linkages,” Islamabad rejected the allegations and demanded an independent investigation—a call that went unanswered before India launched its strikes.
3. Damage Assessment and Military Updates
In a 4am press briefing, DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry detailed India’s attacks:
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24 impacts reported across six localities.
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Strikes targeted mosques, homes, and civilian areas.
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In Bahawalpur alone, five civilians were killed, including a 3-year-old girl.
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Strikes in Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Muridke caused additional deaths and property destruction.
PTV News confirmed the destruction of multiple Indian army posts, including a brigade headquarters and checkposts in Kot Kotera and Dudhnial sector along the Line of Control (LoC). A white flag raised by Indian forces at the Chora Complex was seen as symbolic of a forced de-escalation, with footage broadcasted across national channels.
Minister Tarar stressed that “Pakistan’s armed forces have responded with full capability and will continue to defend every inch of the nation’s soil.” The situation remains fluid, with both militaries on high alert and diplomatic efforts underway to prevent further escalation.
