Pakistan’s armed forces have shot down five Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, two drones, and destroyed a brigade headquarters in retaliatory strikes following Indian missile attacks on several Pakistani cities.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director-General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) successfully intercepted the Indian jets, with all Pakistani aircraft returning safely. The downed Indian aircraft reportedly includes three French-made Rafales, one Su-30MKI, and one MiG-29 Fulcrum, confirmed by a military spokesperson to Reuters.
Pakistan also destroyed an Indian Army post in the Dhundial sector of the Line of Control (LoC) and shot down two drones. Heavy exchange of fire is ongoing along the LoC, with Pakistani forces engaging Indian positions.
The Indian military launched a series of 24 missile strikes targeting six locations—Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad—shortly after midnight. These strikes, according to the ISPR, primarily targeted civilian infrastructure, including mosques and residential areas. State media reported loud explosions and a complete power outage in parts of Azad Kashmir.
Lt Gen Chaudhry confirmed that at least eight Pakistani civilians were martyred and 35 injured in the Indian strikes.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced the PAF’s success in downing the Indian aircraft, stating that Pakistan had responded with strength and precision to defend its sovereignty. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the Indian action as “unprovoked and blatant aggression,” emphasizing that India used stand-off weapons while remaining within its airspace.
The attack follows a deadly incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where 26 tourists were killed in Pahalgam, sparking renewed tensions between the two countries.
In response to the escalating situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has summoned an urgent National Security Committee (NSC) meeting at 10 AM today.
Meanwhile, according to a statement on social media platform X, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged both nations to maintain open communication channels and avoid further escalation.
