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ISLAMABAD – Pakistan shot down five Indian aircraft early Wednesday morning in a swift military response to overnight missile strikes by India on five locations across Pakistan-administered regions, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad, according to military sources.
Reports also indicated that Rawalpindi was among the targeted areas, though the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) successfully intercepted and downed one Indian jet in the Kotli sector. The Pakistan military vowed to respond “at a time and place of its choosing.”
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry (DG ISPR):
“Let me say it unequivocally: Pakistan will respond to this at a time and place of its own choosing. This heinous provocation will not go unanswered.”
The strikes come amid heightened tensions following a deadly militant attack in Indian-occupied Pahalgam, which left 26 dead. India claimed the strikes were aimed at militant infrastructure, but Pakistan denied the presence of any such camps and invited international media to verify the locations.
DG ISPR, on ARY News:
“The cowardly enemy India launched air strikes on Subhanullah mosque in Bahawalpur, Kotli and Muzaffarabad. They attacked from within their own airspace. They never intruded into Pakistan’s airspace.”
“Two civilians were martyred in Kotli and one child in Ahmedpur East. A mosque was struck. These attacks reflect the RSS Hindutva ideology targeting religious sites.”
State media confirmed that Pakistan has begun a counter-strike. PTV reported the destruction of an Indian brigade headquarters and a checkpost in the Dudhnial sector.
PTV News (quoting security sources):
“Pakistan forces are giving a befitting reply. Two Indian aircraft have been shot down. All PAF jets are safe. Enemy aggression is being responded to at multiple locations.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned India’s actions and confirmed a robust response was underway.
PM Shehbaz Sharif:
“Pakistan fully reserves the right to respond forcefully to this warlike act imposed by India. The entire nation stands with the Armed Forces. We will never allow the enemy to succeed in its nefarious objectives.”
“The deceitful enemy has carried out a cowardly attack on five locations. A robust response is being given.”
In a briefing on Geo News, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused India of targeting civilians under the cover of night.
Khawaja Asif:
“They attacked civilian areas from within their own airspace. Women and children have been martyred. Let them step out of their space, we will respond fittingly.”
“They claim to target terrorists but have hit mosques and homes. The world is welcome to visit the sites and see the truth.”
“We are ready for them everywhere at all times.”
US President Donald Trump responded to the situation when questioned by reporters at the White House.
President Donald Trump:
“It’s a shame… I guess people knew something was going to happen. They’ve been fighting for a long time. I just hope it ends very quickly.”
India’s Defence Ministry said it launched “Operation Sindoor,” claiming it had hit infrastructure linked to the Pahalgam attackers and had exercised restraint by not targeting military facilities.
Indian Government Statement:
“Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted.”
Pakistan’s airspace has since been closed. Civil Aviation Authority officials confirmed that Islamabad airport is shut, and all flights have been diverted to Karachi. International routes have been rerouted away from Pakistani airspace.
In Rawalpindi, the Civil Defence department has activated 14 posts, while Indian states have initiated mock drills as precautionary measures.
The US has reiterated its call for restraint.
US State Department Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce:
“We urge Pakistan and India to work towards a responsible resolution that maintains long-term peace and regional stability.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior officials visited the ISI headquarters on Tuesday and the newly launched National Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre (NIFTAC), reviewing preparations for a potential escalation.
PM Office Statement:
“The leadership reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty under all circumstances. The PM praised ISI’s role in safeguarding national security.”
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously vowed to stop the flow of water to Pakistan, hinting at suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.
PM Modi:
“India’s water used to go outside, now it will flow for India.”
Tensions remain high as both nations, armed with nuclear capabilities, continue to issue strong statements amid fears of broader conflict.
