In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Pakistan’s armed forces launched a powerful retaliatory strike on Wednesday, downing five Indian fighter jets and a combat drone, and destroying an Indian brigade headquarters along with several checkposts across the Line of Control (LoC). The move came in response to missile attacks by India on multiple cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), including Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Ahmedpur Sharqia Bagh, and Muridke.
Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, confirmed the developments during a press briefing, calling India’s missile strikes a “cowardly act” that would not go unanswered. He emphasized that the Pakistan Air Force promptly activated its air defense systems and successfully prevented any breach of Pakistani airspace.
The situation has drawn international concern, with China and Russia urging both nuclear-armed neighbors to exercise restraint. China expressed “regret” over India’s military action, while Russia voiced deep worry over the rapidly escalating conflict following a terrorist incident in Pahalgam, which India linked to Pakistan.
In a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the National Security Committee (NSC) granted full authority to Pakistan’s military to respond decisively. The NSC reiterated Pakistan’s right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and reserved the option to retaliate at a time and place of its choosing.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the downing of Rafale, Su-30, and MiG-29 jets, while Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated India raised a white flag at the LoC, signaling defeat. Tarar hailed the Pakistan Air Force’s rapid response as a strong message against Indian aggression.
DG ISPR also confirmed that 26 Pakistani civilians were martyred and 46 injured in the Indian strikes across six locations, calling it a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN informed the Security Council and reiterated Pakistan’s right to respond under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres and US President Donald Trump expressed grave concern over the rising tensions, with Trump calling the situation “a shame” and emphasizing the long-standing nature of Indo-Pak hostilities.
As the threat of further escalation looms, Pakistan has placed Punjab on high alert, mobilized security forces, and declared an emergency in all hospitals. Educational institutions in Islamabad were also closed for safety reasons.
The tensions stem from the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. India swiftly blamed Pakistan and responded with economic sanctions, diplomatic downgrades, and now military action. Pakistan has warned that any violation of the Indus Waters Treaty or future aggression will be met with equal force.
